Breathing Space (Debt Respite Scheme)

If you are feeling overwhelmed by debt and constant pressure from creditors, Breathing Space can offer short-term relief when things feel unmanageable. Many people come across Breathing Space at a point where they need time to think clearly, especially if debt letters, calls, or enforcement action are affecting their wellbeing.

Breathing Space, also known as the Debt Respite Scheme, gives temporary protection from creditor action while you explore your options. UK Debt Support helps people understand how Breathing Space works and what steps may come next, based on a full assessment of their situation.

Written by UK Debt Support Editorial Team
Last Updated: 26 January 2026

Summary

Breathing Space, also called the Debt Respite Scheme, is a government initiative that gives people temporary protection from creditor action.

What is Breathing Space?

Breathing Space, officially known as the Debt Respite Scheme, was introduced in England and Wales in 2021. It provides temporary protection for people who are struggling with problem debt.

When you are approved for Breathing Space, creditors must stop chasing you, and they cannot add new interest or charges to your debts for the duration of the scheme. This gives you vital breathing room to think clearly and explore longer-term debt solutions without constant pressure.

There are two types of Breathing Space: Standard Breathing Space and Mental Health Breathing Space, each designed for different situations.

Who qualifies for Breathing Space?

Not everyone can apply. To be eligible, you must:

Live in England or Wales
Not already be in an insolvency solution such as an IVA or Debt Relief Order
Not have used Standard Breathing Space in the past 12 months
Agree not to take out more than £500 in new credit during the scheme

If you qualify, Breathing Space can act as a powerful pause button while you decide what debt solution is best for you.

How to Apply for Breathing Space

Standard Breathing Space: You must apply through an authorised debt adviser. They will contact your creditors and manage the process.
Mental Health Breathing Space: An approved mental health professional will make the application for you.

Breathing Space does not solve debt on its own, but it provides valuable time to explore lasting options such as IVAs, DROs, or other debt management solutions.

Standard Breathing Space

Standard Breathing Space is available to anyone struggling with debt, provided you apply through an approved debt adviser.

Benefits include:

Creditors and debt collectors must stop contacting you
Interest and charges are frozen for up to 60 days
You have time to consider a solution without constant stress

After the first 30 days, your situation is reviewed to confirm whether the protection can continue for another 30 days.

Mental Health Breathing Space

This type of Breathing Space is designed for people in mental health crisis treatment, such as being detained under the Mental Health Act or receiving urgent psychiatric care.

Key differences include:

It lasts as long as your treatment continues, plus an extra 30 days afterward
You do not need to seek debt advice before applying
An approved mental health professional can apply on your behalf

This ensures that people experiencing severe mental health challenges are protected from creditor pressure while they focus on recovery.

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Take the Next Step

Breathing Space is designed to give you a pause, not a permanent fix. Once the protection ends, your creditors can resume action unless you have entered a longer-term solution.

At UK Debt Support, we are a team who helps people move from temporary relief into real debt solutions that can write off debt and put you back in control. If you are considering this or want to explore options like an IVA or Debt Relief Order, we can guide you in confidence and help you take the next step toward becoming debt free.

Conclusion

Breathing Space can provide valuable time and relief when debt pressure feels overwhelming. It pauses creditor action, freezes interest and charges, and creates space to consider longer-term solutions without constant stress.

However, Breathing Space is a temporary measure. Once it ends, creditors can restart action unless a suitable debt solution is in place. UK Debt Support helps people move from short-term protection to longer-term options, including insolvency solutions such as Debt Relief Orders, IVAs, or bankruptcy where appropriate. Support is provided after an initial fact find, and insolvency guidance is given in reasonable contemplation of an insolvency appointment.

Key Takeaways

Breathing Space offers temporary protection from creditor action
Interest and charges are frozen during the scheme
There are two types: Standard Breathing Space and Mental Health Breathing Space
It does not clear debt but gives time to explore options
A longer-term solution may still be needed after Breathing Space ends
UK Debt Support can help assess your situation and explain what options may be available

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frequently asked questions About debt management plan

What is Breathing Space?

Breathing Space, also known as the Debt Respite Scheme, is a government-backed scheme that gives temporary protection from creditor action. While it is active, most creditors must stop contacting you and cannot add interest or charges.

How long does Breathing Space last?

Standard Breathing Space lasts for up to 60 days, as long as you continue to meet the criteria. Mental Health Breathing Space lasts for the length of your treatment, plus an extra 30 days. UK Debt Support can talk this through with you and explain which type may apply.

Does Breathing Space stop bailiffs and enforcement action?

Yes, in most cases. Once Breathing Space is approved, enforcement action for qualifying debts should pause during the protection period. This can provide much-needed relief while you consider next steps.
UK Debt Support can help reduce enforcement pressure by explaining what protection applies to your debts.

Does Breathing Space write off my debts?

No. Breathing Space does not clear or write off debt. It is a temporary pause designed to give you time to explore longer-term options.
UK Debt Support can help you assess what solutions may be available once Breathing Space ends.

Who can apply for Breathing Space?

You must live in England or Wales and not already be in a formal insolvency solution like an IVA or Debt Relief Order. Standard Breathing Space must be applied for through an approved debt adviser.
UK Debt Support can explain the eligibility rules and guide you through the process.

What happens when Breathing Space ends?

When Breathing Space finishes, creditors can restart action unless you have moved into another debt solution. This is why it is important to use the time wisely. UK Debt Support can support you with an assessment of debt options, including insolvency solutions where appropriate.

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