Debt Help You Can Trust

  • Caring, professional, and confidential
  • FCA regulated
  • Full advice on all debt solutions
  • Here to help you achieve the best outcome
Do I Qualify?

Frequently Asked Questions

Thinking About Getting Help
Understanding Your Options
Starting Your Plan
Living With a Plan
Finishing Your Plan
Trust & Support

Thinking About Getting Help?

Yes. You can get debt help if you’re on benefits.  
 
 
What matters is building a plan that works for your budget. We look at your whole situation: your income, bills, and priorities. If we can’t help you, we will signpost you to a Debt Charity.  
 
Our goal is to help you protect what matters most; like your home, food, and essential costs while dealing with your 
debts in a way that feels manageable. 
 
You won’t be judged or turned away. We’ll guide you through your options and help you take the next step with confidence. 

No. Speaking to us won’t appear on your credit file or change your credit score.

When you get in touch, it stays between us. We don’t tell credit reference agencies, and we don’t leave any mark just because you asked for help.

If you choose to move forward with a debt solution like a Debt Management Plan (DMP) or Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA),  we’ll be upfront about how that might affect your credit record.

No surprises, no jargon. Our job is to give you clear, honest information so you can decide what’s right for you. You stay in control every step of the way.

Yes it is confidential. Your privacy is protected from the moment you get in touch.

We never share your details without your permission. Your conversation with us stays between you and our trained advisers. We don’t report anything to your employer, creditors, or credit reference agencies just because you’ve asked for advice.

If you choose a formal debt solution, there may be legal requirements to share certain details with creditors but we’ll explain exactly what that means before anything is agreed.

Our priority is to create a safe, judgement-free space where you can talk openly about your situation, knowing it won’t go further without your consent.

FCA-regulated means we’re officially authorised to give debt advice and we’re held to strict rules that protect you.

Some companies online aren’t regulated at all. They might just collect your details and pass them on to someone else.

At Dexter Bell, we’re FCA-authorised. That means:

  • You get advice that’s honest, clear, and tailored to you
  • Your information is protected
  • We’re legally required to put your interests first

It’s not just a badge; it’s your peace of mind.

Yes! you can still get advice, even if you’ve spoken to someone else before.

Some firms just take your details and pass you on. At Dexter Bell, we give you clear, regulated advice that puts your needs first.

  • We’ll review your full situation from scratch
  • Explain all your options in plain English
  • Help you move forward quickly, without pressure

You’re never “too late” to get the right help.

We understand how you feel and we want to help you get financial control back.  Many people feel this way – you’re not alone.

Debt can happen to anyone, and shame shouldn’t stop you from getting support. At Dexter Bell, you’ll find:

  • No judgement just understanding
  • Advisors trained to listen and support
  • A clear plan to help you move forward

Your situation doesn’t define you. Getting help shows strength.

No. We won’t judge you. We will help you move forward!​
​
We know life events, cost of living and unforeseen changes can put anyone into debt.
 
  • We listen without judgment
  • We focus on solutions, not past choice
  • We work with you to build a fair plan
  • You will always be treated with respect
No. It helps if you have as much information as possible. But you don’t need everything in front of you to start. Don’t let this stop you getting help. Later, if you move forward, we’ll ask for some details and verifications. But don’t let missing paperwork stop you from reaching out today. We’ll guide you through what is needed.
That happens a lot. Many online companies can’t give advice.  
At Dexter Bell we can advise you and provide solutions  
  • We’re FCA-regulated. Authorised to give debt advice 
  • Your information stays safe with us (we don’t sell it on) 
  • Our advice is tailored to you, not a “one size fits all”  
  • We care about getting you the very best outcome 
When you choose us, you’re in safe hands. You’ll get honest advice, clear options, 
and a team that’s in your corner every step of the way. 
No. We never charge for the advice itself. Talking to us is free.
  • No upfront advice fee
  • Fees only apply if you go ahead with a DMP or IVA (but these are included in your monthly payment)
  • All costs are fully explained  
This ensures you stay in control and know exactly what’s happening at every stage. 

Understanding Your Options

A DMP is an informal agreement to pay back your debts at a rate you can afford.
  • You make one monthly payment, which we share fairly between your creditors. 
  • We ask your creditors to freeze interest and charges 
  • It’s flexible. If your income or expenses go up or down, your payments can change too.
A DMP won’t write off debt, but it can reduce stress and help you to get back on top of your 
finances. 
An IVA (Individual Voluntary Arrangement) is a legal agreement between you and your 
creditors. 
∙You make one affordable monthly payment for usually 5–6 years. 
∙At the end, any remaining qualifying debt is written off. 
∙Interest and charges are frozen from the start of the IVA.  
∙Creditors can’t chase you or take legal action. 
It is more formal than a DMP and you must stick to the terms or it could fail. Your details go 
on the Insolvency Register. Homeowners may need to release equity. But it can be a clear 
route to becoming clearing qualifying debt in a fixed timescale.  
Yes being self-employed doesn’t stop you getting help.
 
∙With a DMP, we look at your average income after business costs and agree payments 
you can afford each month.  
∙With an IVA, the Insolvency Practitioner will consider how your income can change 
month to month and build that into your agreement.  
 
We’ll go through your accounts, invoices, or bank statements with you. The goal is always 
the same: a fair plan that lets you keep your business running while dealing with your 
personal debt. 

You can usually include:

  • Credit cards, loans, overdrafts, store cards
  • Payday loans and catalogues
  • Old utility or phone bills

You can’t include:

  • Mortgages or rent
  • Secured loans
  • Current utility bills or council tax
  • Court fines, child maintenance, or TV licence

An adviser will explain exactly what can and can’t go in your plan so you’re clear before you start.

It depends on: 
 
∙How much you owe 
∙Your income and spending 
∙Your assets (like a home or car) 
∙Your long-term goals 
 
We’ll talk you through all options including fee-free solutions via debt charities, so you can 
make an informed choice. 
There’s no one “best” solution. It depends on your debts, income, and what you want for the 
future. Please see Debt Solutions section by Clicking here.

If you’re struggling, it can feel tempting to just pay the creditor shouting loudest. But that can backfire.

Creditors expect fair treatment. If you pay one and not the others, they may take action against you.

A DMP or IVA makes sure:

  • All creditors are treated fairly
  • Payments are shared out properly
  • Interest and charges are frozen where possible

That way, you protect yourself and reduce the risk of legal action.

Starting Your Plan

As quickly as you want to. We will work with you to get a solution started at a pace that suits you.

Once you decide that a DMP is the solution you want to move forward with we can work within your timescales. As soon as we receive all the required paperwork from you, we will contact your creditors to let them know that you will be starting a DMP with us, and ask them to suspend all interest, charges and payment chasing. We usually recommend that you make your first DMP payment a day or two after you receive your next income payment. Once we have received your first DMP payment, your DMP formally commences, and we will contact your creditors with repayment proposals.

An IVA usually takes longer because it’s a formal agreement. The Insolvency Practitioner (IP) needs to prepare a proposal and arrange a meeting where your creditors vote. The whole process usually takes 4–6 weeks.

Either way, the sooner you reach out, the faster we can begin the journey of getting you back in control of your finances and reduce stress.

We’ll ask for details about your:

  • Income (wages, benefits, self-employed earnings)
  • Living costs (rent/mortgage, bills, food, travel)
  • Debts (creditors, references and balances)

Don’t worry if you don’t have everything to hand. We’ll guide you step by step, and you can provide more details as we go. The most important thing is starting the conversation to get the advice and support you need.

No, that’s what we’re here for.

With a DMP, we contact your creditors and manage the plan on your behalf. Creditors will still send you statutory notices and annual statements, but that’s normal. Anything else you can forward these to us. We’ll handle them to limit contact and engagement by you.

With an IVA, the Insolvency Practitioner does this for you, and creditors cannot take legal action against you, as you as you stick to the terms of the IVA.

Yes, but the earlier you act, the better. Don’t wait until the problem gets worse. Contact us as soon as you feel you need advice and support.

If your creditors are threatening court action or bailiffs, we may still be able to set up a plan that stops things going further. An IVA offers legal protection once approved.

A DMP does not give automatic legal protection, but creditors often pause action if they see you are working with us to get a fair plan in place.

We can also apply for Breathing Space for you. This gives you 60 days to sort things out before action against you can restart. 

We’ll explain your options clearly, so you know what to expect.

Missing payments can cause problems, but it doesn’t always mean your plan will fail.

With a DMP: creditors may start contacting you again or reapply interest and charges. However, we can often get things back on track by reviewing your budget and resuming payments. We can work together to make sure this doesn’t happen if your circumstances change during your DMP. Communicating with us often leads to better outcomes. If you’re struggling, tell us straight away. We’ll step in early and help find a solution.

With an IVA: missing payments is more serious because it’s a legal agreement. The Insolvency Practitioner will try to adjust your terms, but if payments can’t be sustained, the IVA could fail. If you’re struggling, tell your Insolvency Practitioner straight away. They will try to help to find a solution.

Not always but sometimes it’s a good idea.

If you owe money to your bank (like overdrafts, loans, or credit cards), they can use something called the “right of set-off” to take money from your account without asking. To avoid this, we may suggest opening a new basic account with a bank you don’t owe money to.

We’ll give you clear guidance on this before your plan starts.

Yes, joint debts can usually be included in a DMP or IVA.

If both of you are struggling, we can look at setting up a joint solution or separate plans, depending on what works best. If only one person is struggling, that person can enter a plan but both names remain legally responsible for joint debts.

We’ll explain how this works so you both know where you stand.

Living With a Plan

If your IVA doesn’t work out, you still have options.

We help you get set up with an IVA by preparing your case and passing it to one of our Insolvency Practitioner partners. Once it’s in place, the IP manages it. If it fails, they’ll explain why and what happens next, but you won’t be left alone.

If your IP decides to cancel your IVA because it is no longer sustainable, we’ll always be available to talk through your options again. Sometimes a Debt Management Plan (DMP) can be a better fit. Just get in touch with us for further support. An IVA failing isn’t the end. It just means we’ll work with you to find the next best step.

Yes. Debt solutions should fit your life, not the other way around.

With a DMP: Payments can be reviewed and adjusted if your income or expenses go up or down. We’ll always review your situation and help update the plan if needed

Life happens. DMP can adapt to your new circumstances.

With an IVA, changes must go through your Insolvency Practitioner (IP) but there is flexibility if things shift. The IP will work with you to try to agree adjustments.

With a DMP, we contact your creditors and manage the plan on your behalf. Creditors will still send you statutory notices and annual statements, but that’s normal. Anything else you can forward these to us. We’ll handle them to limit contact and engagement by you.

  • In a DMP, most creditors agree to stop chasing once they see you’re paying regularly.
  • In an IVA, creditors are legally bound to stop all action once the IVA is approved.
  • Some letters will still arrive (like statements), but these are routine.
  • You shouldn’t face constant pressure calls once your plan is in place.

Yes, but with care.

  • If you owe money to your current bank, it’s safer to switch to a new one first
    • With an IVA, your Insolvency Practitioner may guide you on the best account to use
    • With a DMP, you can keep a normal account, as long as it’s not linked to your debt

Having a separate, safe account makes managing your money simpler. We will talk through the details with you online or via a phone call, whichever works best for you.

It’s very unlikely, and it’s not recommended.

  • A DMP shows on your credit file because you’re making reduced payments
    • An IVA has strict limits: you can’t get over £500 of credit without permission
    • Even small credit use can make it harder to stick to your plan

These solutions are about clearing debt, not adding more. Once finished, you’ll be in a stronger place to rebuild.

It depends on the plan you’re in.

  • In a DMP, you can choose to use the money how you wish. This can include using it to pay your debts off faster or by settlements. We can discuss options with you.
  • In an IVA, lump sums usually have to be paid into the plan your Insolvency Practitioner will guide you.
  • Either way, we’ll explain what it means and how to use it in your best interests.
  • Windfalls can change your journey. We’ll help you handle them the right way.

Usually yes! Especially if it’s needed for work or daily life.

  • In a DMP, your car is not affected if payments are kept up to date and affordable.
  • In an IVA, cars with modest value are usually allowed, but luxury or high-value cars may be treated differently.
  • We’ll always check how important your car is to your lifestyle and work requirements.
  • Keeping essential transport is always a priority in any debt plan.

No, not unless you tell them.

  • A DMP is private and not published anywhere.
  • An IVA is listed on the public insolvency register, but most employers do not check it unless your role requires financial clearance (like accountancy, banking, or law). You need to be sure that an IVA will not affect your employment contract. It’s usually not an issue.

We don’t contact your employer at any stage. Debt help is confidential, and we do our utmost to treat it that way.

Finishing Your Plan

That’s our joint goal! To complete the solution that’s right for you.

When your plan ends, your included debts should be cleared.

  • In a DMP, you’ll have repaid everything in full (or through settlement offer).
  • In an IVA, once you’ve made all agreed payments, the rest of your qualifying debts are written off.
  • You’ll get confirmation your plan is complete, and you can start to rebuild your credit score.

Both will affect your credit score but not forever.

  • With a DMP, your credit file shows defaults while you’re paying reduced amounts. These stay on your file for 6 years.
    • With an IVA, it’s also recorded for 6 years, even if the IVA ends sooner.

The impact lessens over time, especially if you build good credit habits afterwards.

Sometimes, yes.

  • In a DMP, you can clear the plan early by making larger payments or a lump sum.
    • In an IVA, you may be able to offer a lump sum to your creditors to settle early, but it has to be agreed by the Insolvency Practitioner and creditors.

We’ll always explain your options and help you decide the best way forward.

Yes. If your IVA is completed successfully, you’ll get a completion certificate from the Insolvency Practitioner.

This proves your IVA is finished and remaining included debts are written off. Keep this safe, you may need it in the future.

You can start straight away. It will take time, but you can take actions to improve it:

  • Make regular payments on current bills (rent, utilities, mobile).
  • Check your credit report for errors and update your details
  • Use simple tools like a credit-builder card (only if affordable).
  • With time and consistent behaviour, most people see their score improve after completing a plan.

Trust & Support

Some firms are lead generators, some focus on volume, and some aren’t even regulated to give advice.

At Dexter Bell, we’re FCA-authorised, which means:

  • You get proper, regulated advice, not just a sales script.
  • We only recommend solutions that are in your best interest.
  • We explain both free charity routes and commercial options, so you can make an informed choice.

Our advisers are trained to listen without judgement, explain everything clearly, and help you take control at your own pace. For us, success isn’t just setting up a plan. It’s helping you feel calmer, clearer, and in control of your money again.

Our initial advice is free. You’ll never be asked to pay advice fees upfront.

If a Debt Management Plan (DMP) is right for you, we charge:
• A one-off setup fee (spread over the first 18 months)
• A flat monthly management fee

These are taken from your payment, not added on top. We’ll explain costs upfront, in writing, before you commit.

For IVAs, our Insolvency Practitioner partners include their fees within your agreed monthly payment.

Your privacy matters to us.

We follow strict rules on how your data is collected, used, and stored. We use secure systems that protect your information at every stage.

Here’s what that means for you:

  • Your details are never sold to other companies.
  • We only share your information when it’s essential for example, with an Insolvency Practitioner if you choose an IVA.
  • You’re always told who will see your information and why.
  • See our Privacy Statement

Too many people have been rushed into debt solutions without proper advice. If that’s happened to you, we’ll start afresh:

  • Review your full situation from the beginning.
  • Explain clearly what went wrong and what your options are now.
  • Support you in moving to a plan that genuinely fits your needs.

Regulated advice means you always have the right to a fair, transparent process and we’ll make sure you get it.

We keep it simple and fair.

Some firms charge percentage-based fees that grow with your payment level. We don’t. At Dexter Bell, our DMP fees are fixed:

  • A one-off setup fee of an amount that will be clearly explained during our discussions This is spread over 18 months to reduce the impact and keep the payments to creditors as high as possible form the beginning.
  • A flat-rate monthly management fee of standard fee. This way, you know exactly what you’re paying and why.

For IVAs, the Insolvency Practitioner’s fees are agreed upfront with your creditors and taken from your monthly payments not added on top.

Clarity and transparency are part of treating customers fairly, and that is our commitment to you.

We’re not a data broker. We’re your debt advice provider.

When you come to Dexter Bell, you speak to trained advisers who take time to understand your full situation. If a Debt Management Plan is right for you, we set it up and manage it directly.

If an IVA looks more suitable, we take all your details, advise you of your options and introduce you to one of our Insolvency Practitioner partners and they take it from there. All the information you give us will be shared with them, so you don’t need to tell them again.

This is a transparent process, and any fees for that work are built into your IVA, not paid upfront.

The difference is clear:

  • We don’t just take your details and pass them on.
  • We adviser you directly of all your options.  
  • You always get FCA-regulated advice before any decision is made.
  • You know exactly where your case is going and why.

Find out if you qualify here.

Do I Qualify?