The Insolvency Service has been conducting a review of the criteria for who is eligible for a Debt Relief Order (DRO). The results of this review have now been released and a number of changes are set to be made from the end of June 2021.
A DRO is a way of dealing with your debts if you can’t afford to pay them. It means you don’t have to pay certain kinds of debt for a specified period (usually 12 months). At the end of the DRO period, the debts included in it are written off and you won’t have to pay them.
The changes to the criteria for a DRO are:
1) The maximum value of debt that can be included in a DRO will be increased from £20,000 to £30,000
2) The value of assets you are allowed to own will be raised from £1,000 to £2,000
3) The maximum value of a vehicle you are allowed to own will be increased from £1,000 to £2,000.
4) The maximum allowable monthly disposable income will be increased from £50 to £75
The Insolvency Service also noted a number of other issues raised in responses to their consultation and have committed to a wider review of the insolvency landscape in the future.
These are welcome changes which will mean more people facing problem debt will be able to access a DRO to provide them with a fresh start.
If you are struggling to cope with debt, help and support is available. Although Warrington Housing Association does not offer a DRO service internally, you can email us at admin@wha.org.uk to arrange a call with our Money Advice Officer, Steven, who can advise on suitable options and signpost you to an organisation who can offer a DRO if this is appropriate.
