Key facts (2026): Over 8 million UK adults are in serious debt according to the Money and Pensions Service. Free debt advice is available from StepChange, National Debtline, and Citizens Advice — all provide confidential guidance without charge. The most effective debt repayment strategy prioritises high-interest debts first while maintaining minimum payments on all others.
Debt affects mental health, relationships, and financial futures profoundly. But getting out of debt is achievable with the right strategy and support. Understanding which debts to prioritise, what free help is available, and how to negotiate with creditors gives you a clear path forward regardless of the scale of your debt.
Step 1 — Get a Clear Picture of Your Debts
List every debt: creditor name, outstanding balance, interest rate, minimum payment. Categorise as priority or non-priority. Priority debts (those with serious consequences for non-payment): mortgage or rent arrears, council tax, energy bills, court fines, TV licence, HMRC tax debt. Non-priority debts: credit cards, personal loans, overdrafts, store cards. Always address priority debts first — the consequences of non-payment (eviction, disconnection, imprisonment for some) are more severe.
Step 2 — Choose Your Repayment Strategy
Avalanche method (mathematically optimal): pay minimum on all debts, put all extra money toward the highest interest rate debt first. Once cleared, redirect that payment to the next highest rate. Reduces total interest paid. Snowball method (psychologically effective): pay minimum on all, put extra toward the smallest balance first. Quicker wins boost motivation. Both work — choose the one you will stick to. For most UK consumers with credit card debt at 20–30% APR, this is the highest priority non-mortgage debt.
Free Debt Help UK
StepChange Debt Charity (stepchange.org): free, confidential debt advice and debt management plans. National Debtline (nationaldebtline.org): free advice by phone and online. Citizens Advice: local offices provide free face-to-face support. MoneyHelper (moneyhelper.org.uk): government-backed money guidance. Debt Relief Orders (DROs): for those with under £30,000 of debt, no significant assets, and low income — a DRO freezes debts for 12 months and then writes them off. Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs) and bankruptcy are more serious options for larger debt levels.
Our Verdict
The most important first step is getting help — free, confidential, non-judgmental debt advice from StepChange or National Debtline changes the picture for most people. Many find their situation is more manageable than feared once it is laid out clearly. Do not ignore debts — creditors can take legal action for non-payment, and the costs escalate quickly once court proceedings begin. Act early and use the free services available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get out of debt UK?
List all debts, prioritise priority debts (rent, council tax, energy), then tackle high-interest consumer debt using the avalanche or snowball method. Get free advice from StepChange or National Debtline.
Is there free debt help UK?
Yes — StepChange, National Debtline, and Citizens Advice all provide free, confidential debt advice. MoneyHelper (gov-backed) also provides free guidance.
What is a Debt Relief Order UK?
A legal solution for those with under £30,000 of debt, limited assets, and low income. Freezes debt repayments for 12 months and then writes off qualifying debts.
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Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. Verify with official sources before making decisions.
Last updated: April 2026 · Author: Chandraketu Tripathi
