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North West

Debt help in Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester includes Manchester, Salford, Bolton, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan. Free, no-judgement debt help is available across the whole county by phone and online.

Towns in Greater Manchester

Council tax arrears to the local authority and unsecured credit debts are the most common issues across Greater Manchester. Each council pursues arrears through the magistrates' court, and the Civil Justice Centre in Manchester city centre deals with bankruptcy petitions — though the whole process is now online at GOV.UK.

Free national debt help

These charities help everyone in Greater Manchester — you can reach them by phone or online right now.

StepChange Debt Charity

Free, confidential debt advice and managed plans across the UK.

0800 138 1111 Visit website
National Debtline

Free, independent advice run by the Money Advice Trust.

0800 808 4000 Visit website
Citizens Advice

Free advice on debt, benefits and legal problems, in person and online.

0800 144 8848 Visit website
Business Debtline

Free advice if you are self-employed and struggling with debts.

0800 197 6026 Visit website

Greater Manchester — debt help questions answered

Is debt advice free in Greater Manchester?

Yes. National charities such as StepChange and National Debtline offer free, confidential debt advice to everyone in Greater Manchester by phone and online — you never pay for their help.

Where do I file for bankruptcy if I live in Greater Manchester?

Bankruptcy is filed online at GOV.UK and the £680 fee is paid there. Your nearest County Court deals with the petition — use the GOV.UK court finder to locate it, and take free advice before applying.

Can I get face-to-face help in Greater Manchester?

Yes — Citizens Advice offers face-to-face debt advice across Greater Manchester, and national charities run local outreach. For most people, phone or online advice is the fastest way to start.