Debt advice

Debt Respite Scheme (Breathing Space)

The Government has created the Debt Respite Scheme in recognition of the challenges people can face dealing with debt.  It is designed to give you the opportunity to take control of your finances and put them on a sustainable footing.  

There are two different routes:

Breathing Space Moratorium

this allows a debtor 60 calendar days where no debt recovery action can be taken. The debtor must engage with debt advice. 

Mental Health Crisis Moratorium

this route will enable protection to the debtor for the period they are receiving mental health crisis treatment, then for a further 30 days, and then for a further 60 days breathing space moratorium.

Find out more details about Breathing Space.  

Local advice centre with specialist debt counsellors and money advisers.

  • contact by phone on 020 7373 4005
  • visit the Nucleus website
  • Use the debt advice line by calling 020 3727 9300

If you are finding it difficult to manage financially, there are a number of organisations that may be able to help you with essential items. Visit the Help and Advice pages for more information.

Advice UK

Advice UK is a UK network of advice and information agencies.

StepChange

StepChange is a charity helping people who are in debt through free, independent information and advice.

Shelter

Shelter offers free confidential advice on housing, debt and welfare benefits.

Payplan

Payplan provides a free debt management service to people with debt problems.

MoneyHelper

This is an independent advice service set up by Government.

Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice offers information on a wide range of issues including money and debt.

  • contact by phone on 0844 826 9708
  • visit the Citizens Advice website for online advice and details of local services in the borough

National Debtline

The National Debtline is a national telephone helpline for people with debt problems in England, Scotland and Wales. The service is free, confidential and independent.

Crosslight Advice

Crosslight Advice provide face-to-face debt advice and money education support.

Last updated: 25 May 2023