Breathing Space: the debt respite scheme in England and Wales
Published · 3 min read · Figures checked . UK rules and rates change, so check the official sources below before you act.
Breathing Space gives people with problem debt in England or Wales a short pause from creditor action while they get debt advice. This guide explains how long it lasts, what it covers, and what it does not do.
Who this guide is for
This guide is general information for people who live in England or Wales and are struggling with debts. It does not apply in Scotland or Northern Ireland, because the GOV.UK pages checked for this guide cover England and Wales only. It is not advice for your own situation, and we checked the details on GOV.UK on 13 October 2026.
What Breathing Space is
GOV.UK describes Breathing Space as temporary protection from your creditors while you get debt advice and make a plan. It is not a way of making debts go away. The debts are still owed when it ends.
What changes while it is in place
- Enforcement action cannot be taken against you for the debts included.
- Creditors cannot contact you about those debts.
- Creditors cannot add interest or charges to those debts.
The official adviser guidance adds that Breathing Space is not a payment holiday. Ongoing living costs and priority bills still need to be paid. GOV.UK also says you still need to make your debt repayments.
The two types
There are two versions. The standard version lasts up to 60 days. It ends automatically unless it is cancelled earlier, and advisers must carry out a review between days 25 and 35.
The mental health crisis version is for someone receiving mental health crisis treatment, which must be certified by an Approved Mental Health Professional. It lasts for as long as the crisis treatment continues, plus 30 days. Someone else, such as a carer or representative, can ask for it on the person's behalf if they cannot speak to an adviser themselves.
Who can use it
You apply through a debt adviser, who submits the request if it is appropriate. You must live, or usually live, in England or Wales. You cannot apply if you already have a debt relief order, an individual voluntary arrangement, or an interim order, or if you are an undischarged bankrupt. You also cannot already be in the scheme, and you cannot use the standard version if you used it in the last 12 months. That 12 month rule does not apply to the mental health crisis version.
Debts that are not covered
The adviser guidance says most personal debts qualify, but some do not. Examples include:
- Secured debts such as mortgages and hire purchase (only arrears that exist when the application is made are covered).
- Court fines and confiscation orders.
- Child maintenance and family court orders.
- Student loans.
- Advance payments of Universal Credit.
- Social Fund crisis or budgeting loans.
- Debts from fraud, and damages for death or personal injury caused to someone else.
Council tax is treated in a particular way: the guidance says council tax not yet due is excluded, but it can qualify once all the instalments for the year have fallen due. An adviser can say what applies to your debts.
What happens when it ends
The debts have not been written off or reduced. Creditors can start enforcement again and charge interest and fees from the end date, but they cannot normally charge interest or fees that built up during the break unless a court allows it. After a mental health crisis Breathing Space, a person can apply for the standard version if they need it.
Other options and free help
GOV.UK lists other ways of dealing with debt, including a debt management plan, an individual voluntary arrangement, a debt relief order and bankruptcy. In Scotland, a Debt Payment Programme can be arranged through the Debt Arrangement Scheme. Free, impartial debt advice is available, and MoneyHelper has a debt advice locator to find a free adviser online, by phone or in person. Citizens Advice and StepChange also offer free help. Some advisers may charge a fee, so it can be worth checking before you start.
Check before you act
Rules and lists of excluded debts can change, so it is worth confirming the details on the official pages linked below, or with a free debt adviser, before relying on this guide.
Sources
For information only. See our disclaimer and editorial standards. Spotted an error? Tell us.
