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Priority Debts: Which Debts to Pay First
Priority debts are the ones that can lead to the most serious consequences, such as losing your home, having your energy cut off or going to prison. Deal with these first, even if other creditors are chasing harder. Credit cards, catalogues, loans, overdrafts and water bills are non-priority debts: they can still take you to court, but the consequences are less severe.
At A Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Priority Debts
The List
Rent arrears; mortgage or secured loan arrears; council tax; gas or electricity with your current supplier; essential phone or internet; TV licence; court fines; tax credit overpayments; essential hire purchase goods such as a car you need; unpaid tax or National Insurance; and child maintenance. source
Non-Priority Debts
The List
Credit and store cards, catalogues, unsecured and payday loans, water bills (suppliers cannot cut off your water), benefit overpayments other than tax credits, parking tickets and money owed to family or friends. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- FirstDeal with priority debtsBefore non-priority debts
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
List every debt, who it is owed to and the balance.
Step 2 of 5
Mark the priority debts.
Step 3 of 5
Work out a budget and what you can pay.
Step 4 of 5
Contact priority creditors first to agree a plan.
Step 5 of 5
Ask non-priority creditors to hold action while you sort it out, or get free debt advice.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Free Debt Advice (MoneyHelper)
Find free, confidential debt advice near you or online.
Citizens Advice or National Debtline
Free debt advice. They can also ask bailiffs for more time on your behalf.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
These rules are for England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different debt and enforcement rules.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 15 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.