There is no problem too big Citizens Advice Portsmouth can't help you overcome

People rely on us because we’re independent and totally impartial.

We realise that we may not be the first charity you think about, so this is the sixth in a series of monthly articles to let you know more about us and our services.

Today we are reporting how one of our Money Advisors, Donna Sears, was able to assist one of our clients, Client A, with her debt problems.

Our client wishes to remain anonymous.

Donna assisted Client A with a debt of £20,196 as a result of rent arrears from a privately rented property.

Client A had been forced to sign a joint assured short-hold agreement by a family member when she was mentally unwell.

Client A was subsequently removed by social services due to abuse by the same family member.

She was sectioned as a result of her deteriorating mental health.

As our client left her tenancy before the end of term, she understood that she would have a liability, but only for the time period when she was living jointly at the property.

A complex set of circumstances, involving fraud by the family member, led to an enforcement agency, working on behalf of Hampshire County Court, issuing Client A with a court order for payment, far in excess of what our client should have expected.

Upon receipt of the court order, Client A came to our office in Portsmouth to seek urgent advice.

Client A is now a young, single mother and relies on benefit income to support her household.

She rents her housing association property and is trying to get her life back on track after the traumatic experiences she has suffered over the years.

Donna gathered details on Client A’s medical reports and other items pertinent to the case.

She then worked with the enforcement agency to ensure that all relevant parties were aware of the facts.

As a result of Donna’s diligence, the liability case has now been dropped.

Client A says: ‘Citizens Advice have been a lifesaver. I couldn’t thank Donna or the team enough for the hard work they have put into this case.

‘They took mine and my son’s welfare into such consideration, and my mental health and worry of this massive debt.

‘I didn’t get left in the dark, they took the time to keep me updated, and reassured it was all going to be fine.

‘I wouldn’t know what I’d have done without these guys. I am so thankful.’

Contact Citizens Advice Portsmouth

Ark Royal House

Winston Churchill Avenue

Portsmouth

PO1 2GF

Tel: 023 9285 5855 (Advice Only)

Website caportsmouth.org.uk

Email: [email protected]