Public institution dealing with over-indebtedness situations and alternative credit instruments
About this good practice
The service was established in 2018 to provide an alternative to already existing options (both physical and online) for dealing with citizens' debt problems.
It focuses on raising awareness about responsible money management and promoting synergy with other services in the area. The office offers its services free of charge, which would otherwise incur upfront expenses and instead integrates the costs directly into the final debt mass.
The service operates as counselling and support for citizens facing over-indebtedness. Upon requesting support, service personnel assess the situation, gather necessary documents, and guide people through the next steps of the procedure, which are handled by Organismi di Composizione della Crisi set up by the Order of Chartered Accountants and the Bar Association.
Additionally, the service aims to raise awareness among users about supplementary services such as accessing social territorial services or organizations assisting with job and business searches (e.g., Insieme per il Lavoro).
The stakeholders and beneficiaries of this practice are citizens of the Metropolitan City of Bologna facing over-indebtedness, who can find in this service an opportunity to be supported in resolving economic difficulties. The innovation of the service can be found in being free of upfront expenses and in linking people and creating synergy with other associations and services in the area.
Resources needed
1 person specialized in accounting and laws manages the relations with the public and with the related services. They provide counseling, assess situations, gather documents, and guide people through the process. It is sustainable in the long term since it is part of the Municipality of Bologna.
Evidence of success
The service has received 1114 applications since its establishment, out of which 413 have been taken into consideration. 436 users, instead, have been redirected to other types of useful guidance and services. From May 2021 to December 2023 the service has referred 132 users to "Insieme per il Lavoro" service and 84 users to specific other free consultations. The most significant innovative aspects are the fact that is a free of charge service and the synergies with other local realities.
Potential for learning or transfer
Sportello di Sovraindebitamento can be a replicable practice that easily adapts to the needs and laws of each territory. It's a structure that provides support to citizens and connects them with other local services and associations that can help them overcome difficulties, not only for over-indebtedness but also for job search or to engage with their surrounding community.
The synergies created with services and associations are valuable for public administrations to understand the difficulties of their citizens and develop new solutions and services tailored to the continuously evolving community.
Further information
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
