Breathing Space (Debt Respite Scheme): what it is, what it costs and who it suits
A Breathing Space (Debt Respite Scheme) lasts 60 days (longer for mental health crisis). Here is what you pay, what happens to your home and credit file, and the risks — explained without the sales pitch.
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Checked against the the 2025 IVA Protocol and current government guidance. Figures verified 2026-08-14. See the figures we use.
How it works
You keep paying ongoing liabilities such as rent, council tax for the current year, and utilities. Nothing towards the paused debts.. 60 days for standard Breathing Space. Mental health crisis Breathing Space lasts for the duration of the crisis treatment plus 30 days.
Who it is for
Anyone who needs time to get advice and decide. It is not a solution in itself — it is space to find one. You must apply through an FCA-authorised debt adviser.
What it costs
Free.
What happens to your home
No direct effect, though it pauses enforcement while it runs.
What it does to your credit file
Not itself recorded as an insolvency, though missed payments during it may be. Not public. Creditors are notified directly.
Protection from creditors
Interest, fees and charges are frozen and most enforcement action must stop for the period.
The risks you need to weigh
- It is temporary. The debt does not go away and enforcement resumes afterwards.
- You can only usually get a standard Breathing Space once in 12 months.
- You must keep up ongoing liabilities or it can be cancelled.
How it compares
| Breathing Space | IVA | DMP | DRO | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Formal insolvency | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Where it applies | England and Wales | England, Wales and Northern Ireland | The whole of the UK | England and Wales (Northern Ireland has its own version with different thresholds) |
| Typical duration | 60 days (longer for mental health crisis) | 60 months, or 72 with home equity | Until the debt is repaid — no fixed end | 12 months |
| Monthly payments | Ongoing bills only | Monthly, affordability-based | Monthly, flexible, changeable | No payments at all |
| Your home | Not affected | Excluded; equity sets the term | Not affected | Not available to homeowners |
| Credit file impact | Not an insolvency marker | 6 years from the start date | Defaults recorded, 6 years each | 6 years from the order date |
| Public register | Not public. Creditors are notified directly. | Listed on the public Individual Insolvency Register, which anyone can search. Your address can be withheld only on evidenced safety grounds. | Nothing public. A DMP is a private arrangement. | Listed on the public Individual Insolvency Register. |
| Fees | Free | Paid from your monthly payments | Free providers available | Free — no application fee |
| Creditor protection | Temporary legal freeze | Legally binding on included creditors | None — entirely voluntary | Full protection, then write-off |
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Common questions
How do I get one?
Through an FCA-authorised debt adviser or an approved local authority debt service. You cannot apply yourself and you cannot get one through a firm that is not authorised. Contact StepChange, National Debtline or Citizens Advice and ask about Breathing Space directly.
What does it actually stop?
Interest, fees and charges on the included debts are frozen, and most enforcement action must pause — including bailiff visits, court action to enforce a judgment, and contact from creditors chasing the debt. It does not stop you having to pay ongoing liabilities such as rent, this year's council tax and your utilities.
Can I get one more than once?
Standard Breathing Space is normally available once in any twelve-month period. Mental health crisis Breathing Space works differently — it lasts as long as the crisis treatment plus thirty days, and there is no twelve-month restriction, but it must be evidenced by an approved mental health professional.
Related guides
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