What is the Breathing Space scheme in Portsmouth?

The Breathing Space scheme gives residents in Portsmouth legal protection from creditor action for up to 60 days. During this time, interest and charges are frozen, and enforcement action is paused, giving you time to seek professional debt advice and find a long-term solution.

How do I qualify for a Debt Relief Order (DRO) in Portsmouth?

To qualify for a DRO in Portsmouth, you must have less than £30,000 of debt, own assets worth less than £2,000, have less than £75 spare income per month, and not have had a DRO in the last 6 years. It's a low-cost alternative to bankruptcy.

Is the Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) available to residents of Portsmouth?

The Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) is a Scottish government scheme that allows people to repay debts over an extended period at an affordable rate, while receiving legal protection from creditor action. It is only available to residents of Scotland. Residents of Portsmouth in England or Wales would use a Debt Management Plan instead, while those in Scotland should ask specifically about the DAS.

Can I get a Budgeting Loan from the government in Portsmouth?

If you have been receiving certain qualifying benefits for at least six months, you may be able to apply for an interest-free Budgeting Loan from the Social Fund to help with essential costs. These loans are repaid through deductions from your ongoing benefit payments and are available to eligible residents throughout the UK including Portsmouth.

Is there government help with Council Tax debt for residents of Portsmouth?

Yes. If you are struggling with Council Tax debt in Portsmouth, you may be entitled to a Council Tax Reduction from your local authority, which reduces your bill based on your income and circumstances. You can also apply to pay arrears by arrangement, and in some cases local authorities have hardship funds. Council Tax debt is a priority debt and should be addressed before non-priority debts like credit cards.

Can Universal Credit help me manage debt in Portsmouth?

Universal Credit itself is not a debt solution, but it can increase your income and make it easier to manage debt repayments. If you have benefit overpayments or advances deducted from your Universal Credit, you can request that deductions be reduced if they are causing you financial hardship. Speaking to a work coach or Citizens Advice in Portsmouth can help you understand your entitlements.

Are there government-backed free debt advice services available in Portsmouth?

Yes. The Money and Pensions Service, a government-sponsored body, funds free debt advice delivered by organisations including StepChange Debt Charity, National Debtline, Citizens Advice, and others. All of these services are available to residents of Portsmouth and are completely free. The government has committed significant funding to ensure these services are accessible throughout the UK.

What benefits could help reduce my debt pressure in Portsmouth?

Many people in Portsmouth who are struggling with debt are not claiming all the benefits they are entitled to. These can include Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Carer's Allowance, and Free School Meals. A benefits check through Citizens Advice or the government's own benefits calculator can identify unclaimed entitlements that could significantly reduce financial pressure.

Government Debt Help Portsmouth 2026

Government debt help available in Portsmouth includes the Breathing Space scheme which pauses creditor action for 60 days, Debt Relief Orders for those with debts under £30,000, and formal insolvency routes overseen by the Insolvency Service.

214,905

Population

£28,900

Median Income

£10,300

Avg. Unsecured Debt

18%

Households in Debt

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Breathing Space (Debt Respite Scheme)

The Breathing Space scheme is designed to give residents in Portsmouth temporary relief from creditors. If you're eligible, you can get up to 60 days of protection where creditors cannot take enforcement action, contact you about your debts, or add interest and charges.

This scheme provides a crucial window to work with a debt advisor to find a sustainable, long-term solution like an IVA in Portsmouth or a Debt Management Plan (DMP).

Debt Relief Orders (DROs)

A Debt Relief Order is a low-cost alternative to bankruptcy for people with relatively low levels of debt and few assets. It's a way to have your debts written off after 12 months.

Who is it for?

For Portsmouth residents with under £30,000 debt, less than £75/month spare income, and assets under £2,000.

How it works

Your debts are frozen for 12 months. If your situation doesn't improve, the debts are written off. The application fee is £90.

Government-Backed Free Advice Services

The UK government funds several free, impartial debt advice services that are available to everyone in Portsmouth. These organisations are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and can help you explore all your options, including legally writing off debt in Portsmouth.

MoneyHelper: The government's primary service, offering guidance and connecting you with free advisors.
StepChange Debt Charity: A national charity providing free advice and setting up solutions like DMPs.
National Debtline: Offers free, confidential advice over the phone and online.

You can also use our AI Debt Coach for instant, confidential guidance or check our success stories for inspiration.

Eligibility & How to Apply

To access most government schemes, including Breathing Space and DROs, you must first speak to a qualified debt advisor. They will assess your situation and determine the best course of action for you in Portsmouth.

An advisor will help you create a budget (you can start with our Budget Balancer), review your debts, and submit applications on your behalf. They can also help you with other solutions like an IVA if you don't qualify for a government scheme.

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Important: These educational pages do not constitute financial advice. All information is provided for guidance purposes only. We recommend seeking professional, FCA-regulated debt advice for your specific situation. YourFinances.co.uk is an information portal and does not provide regulated advice.

Published: 3 November 2025

Last Updated: 30 June 2026

Editorial Statement: This content has been prepared in accordance with FCA guidelines and reviewed against guidance published by The Insolvency Service and MoneyHelper. YourFinances.co.uk connects consumers exclusively with Licensed Insolvency Practitioners regulated by the IPA, ICAEW, and ACCA. We do not provide regulated financial advice ourselves. Debt solutions may affect your credit rating. Last reviewed Week commencing January 2026.