Paying your rent is a priority, and your home could be at risk if you fall behind with your payments. If you’re having difficulties paying your rent or receive any letters from Lewisham Homes about missed payments, you should contact us straight away so that we can try to help you to get back on track.
This page provides money saving tips and explains what your priority and non-priority debts are.
What are your priority debts?
Below is a list of priority debts and what could happen if they’re not paid.
| Priority | What if you don’t pay? |
| Rent | Lose your home |
| Council Tax | Imprisonment, bailiff, money taken from benefits |
| Child Maintenance | Imprisonment, bailiff, money taken from benefits |
| Magistrates Court Fine | Imprisonment, bailiff, money taken from benefits |
| Tax and VAT arrears | Imprisonment, bailiff, money taken from benefits |
| TV license | Fine |
| Gas, electricity and water payments | County court judgement |
What are your non-priority debts?
The consequences of not paying these debts are less serious. Deal with priority debts first, then deal with these.
| Non-priority | What if I don’t pay? |
| Catalogues | Court action, poor credit rating |
| Overdrafts | Court action, poor credit rating |
| Credit and store card debit | Court action, poor credit rating |
| Unsecured Loans | Court action, poor credit rating |
| Store Finance | Court action, poor credit rating |
| Payday and short term loans | Court action, poor credit rating |
| Telephone | Disconnected |
If you’re struggling with debt or worried about paying your bills, our Welfare Benefits team may be able to offer support with prioritising your debt and planning a budget you can stick to. They can also refer you to specialist Debt Advice services to resolve serious debt issues.
Book an appointment to see a Welfare Benefits Advisor.
Send a budget form to your Income Officer.
Money saving tips
Save money on your water bill
Thames Water offers a scheme called WaterSure Plus which could reduce your bill by half! To find out more and check out if you’re eligible, visit WaterSure Plus.
They also offer free gadgets to help you save water and bring down your bills. Visit Thames Water to see what freebies are available in your area.
Get help with budgeting
Join our engaging and interactive Budgeting Training course for practical advice on weekly, fortnightly and monthly budgeting, as well as useful tips on how to save money on your basic spending and how to prioritise debts.
Check out our events page for the next dates or call 0800 028 2 028 to find out more.