Priority is about the consequence of non-payment, not the size of the balance or how often a creditor calls.
Identify emergencies
Risk of eviction, repossession, disconnection, court, enforcement or loss of essential goods needs urgent advice.
Separate priority and non-priority debts
Housing, council tax, energy and certain court or secured debts can carry more serious consequences than ordinary unsecured credit.
Contact early
Explain financial difficulty, ask about support and avoid promising an amount that breaks the household budget.
Get free advice
A debt adviser can help check the order, options and whether a formal solution is appropriate.
Protect the commitments with the greatest consequences
- Housing costs
- Council tax and essential utilities
- Court, enforcement or secured commitments
- Essential travel, food and care needs
- Contact and payment plans before missed deadlines grow
Worked example
The smallest balance is not always the most urgent. Consequences, deadlines and household safety matter more than letter volume.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Mixing several unrelated issues into one request.
- Leaving out dates, references or the requested outcome.
- Using assumptions where evidence can be checked.
- Taking no copy, screenshot or note of the action.
Practical task
Make a table with each bill, consequence of non-payment, deadline, current status and advice needed.