What Is A Breathing Space And Why Does Nobody Talk About It

If you are in debt crisis in the UK right now there is a legal protection available to you that most people have never heard of.

It is called the Breathing Space scheme — officially the Debt Respite Scheme — and it was introduced in May 2021. Despite being one of the most significant consumer debt protections introduced in recent years the majority of people who would benefit from it have no idea it exists.

What it does

A standard Breathing Space gives you 60 days of legal protection from creditor contact, interest, charges and enforcement action.

During those 60 days every creditor included in the scheme is legally required to stop all contact with you about the included debts. No letters. No calls. No texts. No visits. They must freeze all interest and charges. They cannot take any enforcement action — no CCJ applications, no bailiff action, no attachment of earnings.

These are not requests. They are legal requirements. A creditor who contacts you or takes enforcement action during a Breathing Space is acting unlawfully.

What it does not do

A Breathing Space does not write off or reduce the debt. It does not make the debt disappear. What it does is give you 60 days of protected time — free from the constant pressure of creditor contact and enforcement threat — to get proper advice, understand your options and make informed decisions about what comes next.

That protected time — for someone in acute debt crisis — can be genuinely life changing.

The Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space

There is also a separate and more powerful version for people receiving treatment for a mental health crisis.

The Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space lasts for the entire duration of the crisis treatment plus an additional 30 days — with no maximum time limit. The same protections apply — frozen interest, no contact, no enforcement — for as long as the treatment continues.

If you or someone you care for is in mental health crisis and also dealing with debt this protection is available. Speak to the mental health care team about whether it applies.

How to get one

You cannot apply directly. You must go through an approved debt adviser — StepChange, National Debtline and Citizens Advice all have approved advisers who can submit the application on your behalf.

Call StepChange on 0800 138 1111 and tell them you are interested in a Breathing Space. They will assess your eligibility and handle the application. Once submitted it typically takes effect within a day or two.

60 days. Legal protection. Free.

It exists. Use it if you need it

Knowledge gives you strength

Strength gives you clarity Clarity

And clarity offers you options because you can think

and see more clearly.

Take a look at my Guide - 140 pages of knowledge based Debt Law “From Debt Crisis to Clear “ a comprehensive guide to managing and coping with all areas of Debt in the UK - knowledge at your fingertips