Give yourself time to think, with the Debt Respite Scheme

By Mr Bankruptcy

22nd May 2025

If you’re feeling overwhelmed trying to face up to debt that’s got out of hand, then a brief break from your creditors would be a lifeline. It would allow you the time and peace to get your thoughts in order, take advice and devise a plan of action, would be a lifeline.

Well, if you live in England or Wales, the Debt Respite Scheme offers just that.

How does the Debt Respite Scheme Work?

The Debt Respite Scheme, also known as Breathing Space, is a government initiative to give temporary relief to anyone struggling with debt. It offers precious time for you to take control of your finances and start working towards a solution that suits your circumstances.

In effect, it’s a 60-day moratorium during which you don’t have to fear every knock on the door or ever letter coming through your letterbox.

During this period, creditors are prohibited from taking any further action to recover debts, including:

The scheme may give you temporary protection, but it’s not a payment holiday; you’re still legally obliged to make debt payments, including ongoing payments for secured debts such as mortgages.

Who is eligible for this breathing space?

To be eligible for the Debt Respite Scheme, individuals must be struggling to pay off a breathing space-eligible debt. This includes most types of debt, including credit card, loan, and utility bill debt.

An applicant must not have any other debt solutions in place, such as an Individual Voluntary Arrangement or Debt Relief Order. Neither can they be an undischarged bankrupt when they apply.

If you’re already using the Breathing Space scheme, or you’ve used it within the last 12 months, then you aren’t eligible unless it was for a mental health crisis.

Supporting mental health

It’s common among my clients for a build-up of debt to happen over a period of time, taking its toll on mental health and family relationships bit by bit.

If you’re receiving mental health crisis treatment when you apply for the scheme, your protection from creditors will be even longer. The breathing space lasts for the length of your treatment, plus another 30 days on top.

In addition, if you’re receiving mental health treatment and you aren’t able to speak to a debt adviser yourself, then you can ask someone else to speak to them on your behalf.

Benefits of the Debt Respite Scheme

I know from first-hand experience the effect that a debt problem can have on mental health. This scheme can reduce the stress load and anxiety associated with bad debt, allowing an individual to retake control of their mental health and their lives.

Even a temporary relief from creditor actions will allow you that crucial head space to put your problem into perspective, listen to some good debt advice and focus on finding a long-term solution.

That solution may involve other debt solutions, such as a DRO or filing for bankruptcy, but at least you will have had the time to explore in peace which option is right for your circumstances.

How to access the Debt Respite Scheme

To access the Debt Respite Scheme, you can contact a professional debt advisor or talk to one of the organisations or charities that exist to help people in debt, such as Citizens Advice or the StepChange Debt Charity or the MoneyHelper website (this is also a service we offer). They can advise on eligibility.

Explain your circumstance and your advisor will complete an application form for you if they believe that this is the right course of action for you.

It’s free to apply for ‘Breathing Space’, but some debt advisers may charge you a fee for their services.

To find out more for yourself about the scheme you can visit the Government’s own information page.

Is it time to regain control of your debt?

If you are struggling with debt, it’s essential to explore all available options. The future might seem dark, but by providing temporary relief from creditor actions, the Debt Respite Scheme can help individuals in debt to take back control of their finances and find a route towards a brighter future.

James Rosa Associates

James Rosa associates is a firm of debt advisors and debt adjustors. With a supportive, non-judgemental and friendly approach, we offer a full range of advice and professional services, laying out all available schemes and options to both individuals and business owners/directors who face an unmanageable debt. We also advise anyone involved in a civil or commercial dispute.

Our services include:

We are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN665061) to work with clients to produce bespoke solutions to fit their specific circumstances.

Do you qualify for our free consultation service?

If you want to deal with an unmanageable debt, or bring a dispute to a swift and cost-effective resolution, then contact James Rosa Associates today, ring 0845 6807217 or email enquiries@jamesrosa.co.uk and find out whether you qualify for our free consultation service.

Preserving your future aspirations in the face of unmanageable debt

By Mr Bankruptcy

7th May 2025

Unmanageable debt is more than just a financial burden, it comes with deep emotional and psychological costs to individuals, to their business partners and family members. It can affect every aspect of their life.

But it can also affect a person’s ability to fulfil their potential, curtailing their future aspirations, unless they can face it and deal with it.

Many of the clients I deal with as a debt advisor can only think of the here and now or tend to look backwards and dwell on how they got to into this situation in the first place. When they come to me for help with an unsustainable debt problem, it’s difficult for them to look forward to anything. This is just one of the many insidious effects on mental health that debt can have.

A roadblock to business aspirations

Debt can act as a significant roadblock to the future, both professionally and personally. The burden of an unmanageable financial obligation can create a ripple effect, limiting opportunities and forcing someone in debt to reshape their dreams, which is a tragedy.

In the business world, debt often dictates the extent of entrepreneurial ambitions. Starting or expanding a business usually needs capital, either from personal savings, investors, or a loan. However, if you are already over-burdened with debt, then the door to additional funding can often be barred to you.

Lenders will scrutinize creditworthiness, and problem debt will reduce the chances of approval. Even if a loan is granted, it may come with higher interest rates, which means cash flow is tighter than it would have been.

With limited access to resources, aspiring entrepreneurs have to compromise on their vision, put off starting projects, or even abandon their business plans altogether. Not only does this affect an individual career trajectory, but it also strangles job creation and innovation, harming the economy.

Putting your personal life on hold

Debt also deeply affects personal life decisions, getting in the way of the personal such as buying a home, traveling, or starting a family.

Many people find themselves postponing important life milestones, waiting as they hope to become financially secure. However, as debt accumulates and financial pressures mount, these goals can stay permanently out of reach. Debt repayment feels like a trap you can’t escape, overshadowing hopes and desires for the future.

Additionally, debt limits your capacity for investing in personal growth and experiences, such as pursuing higher education, professional development courses, or hobbies. All of these have to take a backseat when financial resources have to be directed towards debt repayment.

Effects on relationships

The stress associated with problem debt can seep into personal relationships. Money is one of the main causes of conflict among couples, and existing debt exacerbates tensions. Difficult conversations about spending habits, shared responsibilities and financial priorities strain relationships and in some cases can lead to breakup or divorce.

In addition, living under the shadow of debt can dampen one’s mental health, fostering anxiety, guilt, or depression. This emotional toll often reduces productivity and diminishes overall quality of life.

Unlocking the future

Achieving freedom from debt will have a profound impact on your life, your outlook and your future. As well as reducing stress and giving you peace of mind, the financial freedom can open up opportunities for your professional and personal growth.

With greater financial security, you no longer need to put off your plans; you can start pursuing your passions, spend more quality time with your loved ones and plan for a fulfilling future.

James Rosa Associates

Even if you are currently struggling with debt, a trusted professional advisor can help you take the first steps to overcoming your financial burden and realising your potential.

At James Rosa Associates, we have helped many clients to achieve financial freedom through our comprehensive and personalized approach.

By focusing on debt management, budgeting, financial education and the options available for dealing with unmanageable debt, we empower clients to take back control of their finances and look forwards to a more positive future.

Our debt advisors and debt adjustors are well known for a supportive, non-judgemental and friendly approach. We offer a full range of advice and professional services to individuals, business owners and directors faced by unmanageable debt and who are actively seeking a solution. We also help people tied up in a civil or commercial dispute.

In addition to debt advisors and adjustors, our team offers a range of services, including:

We are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN665061) to work with clients to produce bespoke solutions to fit their specific circumstances.

Do you qualify for one of our free consultations?

We know how unmanageable debt can affect people’s lives and we want to help as many people as we can.

If you are ready to deal with your debts, or want to bring a dispute to a swift and cost-effective resolution, then contact James Rosa Associates, ring 0845 6807217 or email enquiries@jamesrosa.co.uk. Let’s explore if you qualify for our free consultation service.

Sign up to our newsletter