Why we're changing our name to StepChange Debt Charity

The CCCS has rebranded to the StepChange Debt Charity. Here, the charity explains the move and what it means.

We have changed our name. We’re no longer Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS), but instead, we’ve rebranded as StepChange Debt Charity.

As CCCS we have 20 years' experience of helping people become debt free. We’ve helped over two million people deal with problem debt, but over time it’s become more and more clear that we could help more people.

To help more people we need to be more visible, more vocal, and we need to make sure our charitable service would stand out from the crowd.

One of the first things we decided to do was change our name, to StepChange Debt Charity, to make it clear that the service we offered was a charitable one for those in debt. Too often people just weren’t aware that we were a charity.

Our history

Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) was created with a vision: that no-one should have to pay for debt advice. StepChange Debt Charity has that same belief.

CCCS was founded in 1993 by Vic Ware O.B.E and Malcolm Hurlston, based on the Consumer Credit Counselling model begun in the USA. Throughout the 90s we received more and more support from the UK credit industry, which allowed us to expand and develop our debt management services.

We’ve introduced innovative ways for people to repay debt. In 1993 we introduced the debt management plan (DMP); in 2007 we launched CCCS Voluntary Arrangements - the only non-profit IVA provider - and in 2010 we launched our own equity release company, CCCSER.

The current financial climate

It might seem strange that on top of all this success that we’ve decided to change our name. But we knew that in the current financial climate it was paramount. After all:

1. The number of people who are trying to deal with multiple payday loans has gone up markedly; overdraft debt is rising, and store card debt among over-60s is also up.
2. 3.2 million UK households are unable to pay their debts or meet the financial demands of everyday life, with a further three million finding it hard to make ends meet. Problem debt is huge, and we want to make sure we’re the first organisation that people turn to.
3. Recently it’s become clear that personal debt is actually rising again. This means our service will be in even more demand in the future, and we want to be ready for it.
4. Many people still pay a fee for debt advice, at the one time when money is tight. We want to make sure that everyone has access to advice that is free and impartial. All our advice and most of our solutions are free.

So while it’s clear that debt continues to dominate the personal finances of a vast swathe of Britain we want to make sure that we’re growing to meet the demand. We’re determined to make StepChange Debt Charity the biggest name in the debt help sector.

If you’re one of the many struggling with debt you can get free online debt advice using our online tool, Debt Remedy. We can help you make a realistic plan to get your finances back on track.

We know debt, and we know its causes and reasons. Debt can happen to anyone. We’re here for everyone.

More on debt:

The dangers of multiple payday loans

Overdrafts: the debt problem you didn't realise you had

New laws mean credit card debt can affect your mortgage

Budgeting was easier when we were paid weekly

Why a 0% credit card could mean 100% trouble

Bankruptcy: handing back the keys to your home

Losing your job isn’t the only cause of middle age debt