John is a Scottish client and was a fisherman for over 35 years. In May of this year he had to stop work due to ongoing ill health. He and his wife who works part time were finding it very difficult to manage their finances and pay all their bills. They were behind with their rent to the Housing Association and with their Council Tax. When they were referred to SAIL by the Fishermen's Mission the Council had passed the Council Tax debt on to the Sheriff's Office and the Housing Association had begun possession proceedings. John told us he did not know how to begin sorting it out and as he is a very private person he found it very difficult to speak about. He said the couple had ignored letters and any visits from the Housing Association.

We helped John with his claim for Housing and Council Tax Benefit and got in touch with the Sheriff's Office and the Housing Association. The Housing Association told us that they had been having problems with the couple for some years and despite numerous letters, phone calls and visits to them had been unable to open up communication to try to sort it out. In addition, the Council Tax arrears dated back to 2007 and the Council had also had the same communication problems with the couple. Both creditors said they were reluctant to let the situation continue any further without taking action.

We explained that as a share fisherman John's wages varied and this was one of the reasons why there had been a build up of arrears however with benefits in place there should not be any further arrears accrued. We explained that we would provide ongoing support and apply to Maritime Charities for help with the arrears, and that SAIL would liaise between the creditors and John. Both the Housing Association and Council Tax Department agreed to put a hold on any further action. SAIL's advice was crucial in dealing with these priority debts, which could have potentially ended up in homelessness and prison if not addressed.

SAIL worked out a weekly budget with John, applied to Maritime Charities for a grant towards the arrears and with benefits in place the couple feel that they are in a much better position. The worry and stress has been taken away and with our continued support they feel better able to cope.