Breathing Space
Lesson 6 of 12 in our free Debt & Getting Help guide: a 5-minute money game with the key points below.
Shown for England. Some rules here are different in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland: the lesson shows your nation's version.
Reading is cool. Playing is cooler.
This lesson is a 5-minute game. Free, no sign-up needed.
The story so far
Mo: I need a pause button. Just a few weeks to think.
Chip: In England and Wales there's a scheme literally called Breathing Space. A debt adviser can apply for it with you.
Nana: Sixty days with most interest, charges and enforcement paused. Time to get a proper plan, love.
Questions you'll answer
Mo lives in Scotland. Can he get Breathing Space?
Scotland has its own separate protection, so he should ask a debt adviser what applies. Right. Scotland has its own moratorium and debt solutions. A free adviser will know the details.
Quick facts
- Fact: “A standard Breathing Space lasts 60 days.” — It gives you time to get advice and find a longer-term solution.
- Myth: “During Breathing Space you can stop paying rent and bills.” — You still need to keep up with ongoing costs like rent and energy where you can.
- Fact: “You apply through a debt adviser, not directly with each lender.” — A debt adviser checks it's right for you and starts it.
- Myth: “Breathing Space wipes your debts.” — It pauses them. The debts are still there afterwards — but you'll have a plan.
- Most new interest and charges on included debts → Usually paused. Creditors generally can't add these during the pause.
- Most enforcement action on included debts → Usually paused. Creditors generally can't take enforcement steps.
- Your ongoing rent → Still need to pay. Keep paying ongoing bills where you can.
- Your ongoing energy bill → Still need to pay. Ongoing costs continue.