Breathing Space

Struggling With Debt? Breathing Space Could Give You Time to Regain Control

If you cannot realistically repay your debts, bankruptcy may help you write off qualifying debt and stop creditor pressure.

60

days protection

2

different types

£0

fees

What is Breathing Space?

Breathing Space is a legally enforced scheme that gives people struggling with debt some much-needed ‘breathing space’ to deal with their debts without being put under further pressure from creditors or debt collectors.


There are two types of Breathing Space: Breathing Space and Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space (or Mental Health Breathing Space), each with its own eligibility criteria, application process, and duration.


During the scheme, your creditors can’t take legal action against you, and all interest and charges on the debt will be frozen. This means you can’t be taken to court or visited by bailiffs, and you don’t have to worry about any extra fees being added.


However, it’s worth remembering that while you’ll be given temporary protection from your creditors and will be safe from legal action, you’ll be expected to continue making your debt repayments as normal.


Advantages of Breathing Space

✅ Temporary protection from creditor pressure

✅ Interest and charges are paused on included debts

✅ Stops most enforcement action

✅ Gives you time to understand your options

✅ Free to apply through an authorised debt adviser

Disdvantages of Breathing Space

❌ It is only temporary protection

❌ Your debts are not written off

❌ You must continue engaging with debt advice

❌ Some debts may not qualify

❌ Creditors can restart collection activity after the protection period ends

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What People Usually Want To Know

  • Will creditors stop contacting me?

    Most included creditors must stop contact, enforcement and collection activity during the Breathing Space period.

  • Will interest and charges stop?

    Yes. Interest, fees and charges on included debts are usually paused.

  • Does Breathing Space write off debt?

    No. Breathing Space is temporary protection and does not write off debt.

  • Will Breathing Space affect my credit file?

    Breathing Space itself is not recorded on your credit file.

  • How long does Breathing Space last?

    Standard Breathing Space usually lasts up to 60 days.*


    *Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space may last longer depending on circumstances.

Alternatives to Breathing Space

IVA

Combine your debts into one affordable monthly payment with legal protection from creditors.

Debt Relief Order

A free debt solution that can freeze interest and write off qualifying debts.

Debt Management Plan

Make one manageable monthly payment while reducing pressure from creditors and regaining

Bankruptcy

A formal debt solution that can help clear unaffordable debts and give you a fresh financial start.