Scottish Parliament Debt Arrangement Scheme reforms approved

Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) reforms have been approved by Scottish Parliament. The amendment regulations will come into force on 4th November 2019.

The 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 said “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.”

The new regulations can be viewed here.