Charging orders A charging order secures the debt against property that you own and could put it at risk. A charging order cannot be made against a property that you rent. If your creditor applied for your CCJ on or after 1 October 2012, they can ask the court for a charging order, even if you are up to date with payments set by the court. If your creditor applied for your CCJ before 1 October 2012, they can only ask for a charging order if you have not paid what the court ordered you to pay. For more information, see our County Court – charging orders fact sheet. If you cannot afford to pay what the court ordered, you can ask it to reduce the amount. See our County Court – varying payments on a judgment fact sheet. If the creditor has started any further action, contact us for advice. Debts with your bank: overdrafts, loans and credit cards Many people use their current account to have their wages paid into and to pay household bills. This can cause problems if you have debts with the same bank or building society, or your current account becomes overdrawn. If you have a loan with your bank or building society, the monthly instalment is usually taken directly from your current account. You have little control over this and it could mean that you aren’t left with enough money to pay your essential outgoings, such as your mortgage or rent. The Standards of Lending Practice – Personal Customers These guidelines say that customers should ‘receive appropriate support and fair treatment... to help them deal with their debts in the most suitable way’. Remind your creditors of this. For a copy of the standards, go to www.lendingstandardsboard.org.uk. Page 94