Debt Respite (Breathing Space) Scheme

Breathing Space Scheme

Breathing Space provides people with problem debt a period of temporary protection from most interest, fees, charges and enforcement action while they engage with debt advice and explore ways to get their finances back on track.

The Northern Ireland Executive has agreed in principle for the Department for Communities to work with HM Treasury to extend the existing Breathing Space scheme to Northern Ireland, bringing arrangements here into line with England and Wales.

The scheme is not yet available in Northern Ireland.  Further work is ongoing to consider how the scheme will operate in Northern Ireland. Any introduction would be subject to public consultation and all relevant approvals in Northern Ireland and at Westminster. 

Further information

Further information, including timelines for implementation, will be provided as work progresses.

For further information on the Breathing Space scheme, please contact: debtrespiteteam@communities-ni.gov.uk