As we leave the summer of 2025 behind and step into October, we enter a month that is unapologetic, bold, and powerful: 'Black History Month in Britain'. This is a time to honour struggle and triumph, to celebrate the contributions of Black communities, and to confront the uncomfortable realities of poverty and inequality that still persist today. Welcome to the Debt Talk Podcast. I’m your host, Ripon Ray. This episode: “Poverty & Black History in Britain.” To guide us through this important conversation, I’m joined by two remarkable guests: Jerry During, founder of Money A&E, the UK’s first lived-experience-led debt and financial education service, was born in Newham. Jerry shared how his father’s experience of debt shaped his childhood, and how his own awareness of being Black sharpened as he pursued a legal career. In law firms, the only non-white faces he encountered were in low-income roles, such as those of cleaners and receptionists. That moment stayed with hi...

In this month’s Debt Talk podcast, we discuss: 'Cars & Their Costs'. To explore the topic, Ripon Ray speaks with: - Alison Tooze , from the BPA - British Parking Association - Sam Nurse, CEO of Money Advice Hub Alison Tooze emphasised the importance of preventing parking-related crises and outlined steps drivers can take to reduce the risk of receiving fixed penalty notices or penalty charge notices. She explained the differences between tickets issued under criminal and civil law, how each is recovered, and the associated costs. Alison Tooze described how disputes can arise when road users believe tickets have been wrongly issued, and she outlined the process for challenging them. She noted that appeal decision-makers can also take mitigating circumstances into account. Sam Nurse highlighted the importance of participating in a public consultation on the new Private Parking Code of Practice, which is seeking views on proposals to raise standards in the private pa...

  Car dealers and finance companies may have misled many people in our community and could be owed money. A big  Supreme Court case  decided that if lenders  hid high commissions  from buyers—often targeting people who didn’t fully understand the    contracts. We know: Many of us don’t speak English fluently,   salespeople don’t always explain the small print, we’re told “just sign here” without knowing the cost Now, there's a chance to  get justice . Debt Talk CIC  is a local, Bangladeshi-led organisation offering  Bangla-speaking support  to help you: Understand what’s going on Check if you were mis-sold Get support to take action— for free This isn’t just about cars. It’s about  respect, justice, and standing up  for our rights.

Dear Friends, This is the moment many of us have been waiting for. For the first time in living memory, a community-led initiative founded and driven by the Bengali community in East London is here: Debt Talk CIC. I’m proud to lead this first phase of outreach, offering practical, high-quality advice and support on the issues that matter most—benefits, debt, housing, and more—right at the heart of our community. This is just the beginning. As we grow, so too will our capacity to serve, all while staying rooted in our values and lived experiences. Please feel free to share the attached leaflet widely. Together, we can make sure everyone in our community knows where to turn for clear, transparent, and trustworthy support. This is about building a future led by us, for us. With solidarity, Ripon

I am deeply honoured to have been elected as an Assembly Member of the ECDN European Consumer Debt Network, representing the United Kingdom. I look forward to working collaboratively with colleagues across the European debt sector to address the complex issue of over-indebtedness. By sharing knowledge, best practices, and fostering cross-border cooperation, I believe we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected. Thank you sincerely for welcoming me into this dedicated and inspiring community!

According to UK government data for the year ending 2023, there were an estimated 2.4 million separated families and 3.8 million children living in those households. More than half of divorced families had formal child maintenance arrangements —a figure that highlights the growing intersection of family separation and financial strain. This month’s Debt Talk with Ripon Ray dives deep into the theme: ‘Family Planning, Divorce & Debt’ , bringing forward real-life stories that reveal how personal relationships, cultural expectations, and legal frameworks collide—often with emotional and financial consequences. Bilkis Khanom , a British Bangladeshi woman, bravely shares her story of marrying outside her religious and cultural upbringing. Although she married under Islamic law, her separation left her feeling isolated—both emotionally and socially. She discusses the legal and personal challenges she faced, and the profound impact of being disconnected from her community during a vu...