We have helped tens of thousands of people deal with their financial problems during this period.

We have also successfully campaigned for the improved treatment of bankrupt people.

Early discharges are now available to many people and much of the stigma previously associated with bankruptcy no longer applies.

I am therefore appalled by the current proliferation of debt management companies and so called 'free debt advice' services that are in fact bundling people into unsuitably voluntary arrangements that provide incredibly high fees for those companies that promote them.

Individual voluntary arrangements - known as IVAs - often fail and become extended and painful bankruptcies.

In any event, it is quite simple for debtors to set up their own informal arrangements without the need for the services of these companies.

Due to the vast expansion of the easy availability of credit in the UK hundreds of thousands of people now have debt repayments due that they cannot repay each year.

In addition thousands of businesses fail each year.

Our Association can help all these people deal with their problems in a straightforward sensible manner.

With the help of information and independent advice provided by our organisation it is easy for people with debts to do away with the need to contact any of these commercial companies and handle matters sensibly themselves.

John McQueen
Founder
The Bankruptcy Association
Lancaster