Breathing Space

Breathing Space — officially the Debt Respite Scheme — has given people in problem debt temporary legal protection from creditors since May 2021, across England and Wales. There are two versions: Standard Breathing Space and Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space. Both pause debt collection while you get advice or treatment, but neither writes off or reduces your debt.

Standard Breathing Space

To apply for Standard Breathing Space, you need to speak to a debt adviser, who checks your eligibility and registers it on your behalf — you can't apply for it directly. Once in place, it lasts up to 60 days. During that time, creditors and debt collectors must pause contact and most interest and charges are frozen, giving you time to look into a longer-term solution without added pressure. It can end early if you stop engaging with your adviser, provide false information, or take on significant new credit.

Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space

This version is for people receiving mental health crisis treatment, such as being detained under the Mental Health Act. It offers the same core protections as Standard Breathing Space, but:

• You can apply for it at any point during mental health crisis treatment
• It lasts as long as the treatment does, plus an extra 30 days afterwards
• You don't need to get debt advice before it starts — a mental health professional can request it on your behalf

Who Breathing Space is for

• Not already in an insolvency solution such as an IVA, DRO or bankruptcy
• Based in England or Wales
• Not used Standard Breathing Space within the last 12 months
• Willing to agree not to take out further credit over £500 during the scheme

Everyone's situation is different, and the right next step depends on yours. Speak to one of our advisors for free, impartial advice on whether Breathing Space — or another solution — could help you.