WEST Dunbartonshire Council has issued guidance to those who are affected by historic debt.

A spokesperson said: “Are you being contacted by a debt collection agency seeking payment for an old debt?

“If you think the debt has been sold on unfairly, contact the company who the debt was with in the first place and ask them to investigate.

“This can be difficult if the company is no longer trading, such as with some pay day lenders.

“In this instance, or if you feel that your disputed debt has not been investigated properly, you can raise a complaint with the financial ombudsman service.”