The basicsWhat is Breathing Space?
Breathing Space is part of the government Debt Respite Scheme — it gives
you up to 60 days of temporary protection from contact and action by your
creditors. During that time, the creditors covered by the scheme cannot add
interest or charges, take enforcement action, or contact you about repayment (other than
ordinary, routine statements). It is not a debt solution and it does not write off what you
owe — it is a protected period in which you and an adviser can calmly work out a lasting way
out. The scheme has been running in England and Wales since 2021.
TypesThe two forms of Breathing Space
The scheme comes in two versions, designed for different circumstances:
Standard Breathing Space
- Up to 60 days of protection — full protection from debt collection and from interest and charges being added.
- Compulsory review — between day 25 and day 35 your adviser checks your circumstances.
- Once every 12 months — the standard version can be used once in any 12-month period.
- For most people — available to anyone who qualifies and works with an adviser.
Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space
- For people in mental health crisis — a separate route for patients receiving crisis mental health treatment.
- Protection for the whole period of treatment — it lasts as long as the crisis treatment lasts.
- A further 30 days — protection continues for 30 days after the treatment ends.
- Applied for by a professional — the application is made by an Approved Mental Health Professional.
ProtectionWhat does Breathing Space give you?
Once you are entered into the scheme, the creditors covered by the protection must pause
their activity for the whole period it lasts. In practice that means:
- No more collection contact — calls and letters about repayment stop.
- Interest and charges frozen — your debt does not grow while the protection lasts.
- Enforcement paused — creditors cannot take legal or enforcement action.
- A roof over your head protected — evictions and repossessions are paused during the scheme, giving you time to get back on a stable footing.
EligibilityIs Breathing Space right for you? Who qualifies
Breathing Space works well for people who cannot keep up with their commitments and need
time to put a lasting plan in place. To qualify, you usually need to meet the following
conditions:
- You live in England or Wales.
- You have at least one qualifying debt.
- You have not used a standard Breathing Space in the last 12 months.
- You are not currently in a DRO, IVA, interim order or bankruptcy.
- You agree to work with a debt adviser.
Debts coveredWhich debts are included, and which are not?
Not every commitment can be included in the scheme. Most typical consumer debts qualify,
but there are clear exceptions:
Covered by the protection
- Credit cards, personal loans and payday loans.
- Overdrafts and catalogue debts.
- Rent, mortgage and utility arrears.
- Council tax arrears, debts owed to government bodies, plus Buy Now Pay Later and guarantor loans.
Excluded from the protection
- Debts arising from fraud, and court fines.
- Child maintenance.
- Universal Credit advances and Social Fund loans.
- Student loans and compensation claims.
Where it appliesWhich UK nations does Breathing Space cover?
Breathing Space (Debt Respite Scheme) applies only in England and Wales.
Scotland has a separate mechanism — a moratorium
(Statutory Moratorium) within the Scottish debt solution system. In Northern
Ireland there is no direct equivalent. This is not a debt solution, but a period of
protection from interest and debt collection.
The processHow does it work, step by step?
You cannot apply for Breathing Space yourself — the application is made by an approved
adviser. We take you through the whole process:
- Referral by an adviserThe Breathing Space application is made by an approved debt adviser — you cannot apply on your own.
- Entry on the registerYour details go onto the Breathing Space register, and the creditors covered are told about the protection.
- 60 days of protectionCreditors pause debt collection, and interest and charges on the debts included are frozen.
- Review after about a monthBetween day 25 and day 35, your adviser checks whether you still qualify for the protection.
- A plan for a lasting solutionDuring this time we work out a lasting way out of debt with you, ready for the end of the protected period.
Your responsibilitiesWhat do you need to remember during it?
The protection comes with a few commitments on your side. During Breathing Space you must
stay in touch with your adviser, give accurate information about your
financial situation, keep paying your ongoing essential bills, and
not take on new debt above £500 during those 60 days. Sticking to these rules
is what keeps the protection in place for the whole period it lasts.
AfterwardsWhat happens when Breathing Space ends?
After 60 days the protection expires — creditors can start adding interest and charges
again, resume contact and restart enforcement action. That is why we use this time to prepare
a lasting solution, so you are not left on your own with the problem. That
could be an IVA, a Debt Relief Order or a
Debt Management Plan. Open Finance will guide you
through the whole process in plain English — from the first conversation to choosing your
route after Breathing Space.
SupportYou do not have to face debt alone
Facing debt can feel overwhelming — but the sooner you ask for help, the easier it is to
find a solution. Breathing Space does not write off debt, but it buys you invaluable time to
make a calm decision without the pressure of debt collection. A free consultation with our
adviser is with no obligation and does not affect your credit score until you accept the
solution we propose.
