What to do if you fall behind on your debts

I used to have a friend who didn't believe in council tax. Then one thing led to another, and she became the friend who didn't believe in going home – just in case the bailiffs were there. If you have a secured loan - like a mortgage - and don't pay up, the lender has the right to make you sell up and take a cut. If it's an unsecured loan, they have the right to chase you, and some use fairly drastic measures.

So what can they do if you fall behind on your loans or your bills?