The Local Government Association has published a case study from Gateshead Council showing how the council is supporting people with debt and financial problems in its area. The council supports people in arrears with their council tax as these arrears are a good "signal" that a household is in need (and the council is able to distinguish between those who can't pay from those who won't pay council tax) of support and they also work with a third sector organisation that runs a number of community hubs where people can access support locally and within their own community.

In addition the council has funded 12 extra debt adviser positions within the local CAB (citizens advice bureau) and these advisers will work closely with the community hubs (which are run by steering groups of local people). This way, the gaps within and between statutory service provision and voluntary sector provision can be bridged with the active agency of the local communities and residents.