A total of 277 people in Braintree have accessed the Government’s ‘Breathing Space’ since its launch in May, 2021.
Also known as the Debt Respite Scheme, Breathing Space is a period of up to 60 days where eligible people who contact debt advice services such as National Debtline are not subject to enforcement activity.
Additional interest, charges, and creditor action are all paused while people receive debt advice and create a plan
David Cheadle, acting chief executive of National Debtline’s parent charity, called the Money Advice Trust, said:
“The cost of living crisis has had a huge impact on household finances and people in Braintree and right across the East of England are struggling to cope.
“In the last 12 months alone, National Debtline advisers helped 200 people in Braintree through our free phone service – including registering people who are eligible for the Government’s new Breathing Space scheme.”
National Debtline says nine in ten of their callers reported their debts reduced or stabilised while seven in ten reported seeing a positive impact on their emotional and mental wellbeing.
Braintree residents can speak to a National Debtline adviser for free, independent advice, including the Breathing Space scheme, online or over the phone at 0808 808 4000.
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