The Debt Arrangement Scheme (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2019 will come into force on 4 November 2019.

These regulations were developed following considerable work and engagement with stakeholders with the aim of increasing the accessibility, flexibility and sustainability of Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) payment programmes.

These Regulations amend the Debt Arrangement Scheme (Scotland) Regulations 2011 and introduce the following changes:

• Removal of all up-front and ongoing costs so that those struggling with debt have free access to DAS.
• Introduction of revised fee charging arrangements that aim to increase the capacity to deliver DAS to help ensure that anyone who can benefit can access it.
• Access to emergency payment breaks to help people cope with the unexpected expense that every-day life can bring.
• Streamlining decision making processes so that people can take control of their finances and gain the protections needed as quickly as possible

Welcoming the introduction of the regulations Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills commented:

“These regulations make small but important changes to the Debt Arrangement scheme that are focused firmly on improving individuals’ access to the scheme.

“They provide for greater availability whilst ensuring more organisations are able to offer DAS.

“Crucially, we are removing fees DAS clients pay over and above their debt payments, meaning DAS will become free to access for every single client irrespective of who their money adviser is.”

These regulations can be viewed on legislation.gov.uk.
 

Background

The Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) is a formal debt solution that allows people who are struggling with debt and have a reasonable level of surplus income, to pay those debts over a longer period.

This is achieved through a Debt Payment Programme (DPP), helping those with debt problems manage their way out of debt and offering them the potential to start over when their debts are cleared.

DAS provides protection from the threat of any action to enforce payment of the debt. All interest, fees and charges are frozen from the date of application and written off at the end of the DPP provided that the programme is completed.  

Accountant in Bankruptcy (AiB) is an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government with responsibility for administering the process of personal bankruptcy, administering the Debt Arrangement Scheme and recording corporate insolvencies in Scotland. www.aib.gov.uk.
 

Contact

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