Common Financial Tool

The Common Financial Tool (CFT) is used to assess household income and expenditure with a view to setting a contribution across all statutory debt solutions.

It uses benchmark expenditure levels known as trigger figures to assess reasonable levels of expenditure.

These figures are set using the Common Financial Statement (CFS). To use the CFS and access the trigger figures, you must apply for authorisation. Further details can be found in the Common Financial Statement section.

Notes for Guidance - Common Financial Tool provides detailed information and evidence requirements to support debt solution applications. 

The CFT working group comprises of representatives from around the debt advice and solutions sector and meets to discuss factors related to CFT and how it works.

The group also manage instructions around the use of this tool including the ongoing maintenance of the Notes for Guidance.