Record numbers seek help through Debt Relief orders

The Insolvency Service has published its latest monthly Insolvency Statistics, showing personal insolvencies were down by 4 percent in May 2024 compared to April 2024 at 9,266.

However, the number of Debt Relief Order (DRO) applications rose to a record 3,716, an increase of 8% compared to April 2024. On 6th April 2024 fees for Debt Relief Orders were removed as part of changes announced in the Spring Budget, with further changes to eligibility rules coming in on 28th June.

With latest figures showing 8 million people in the UK needing debt advice, the charity is urging anyone struggling with their bills to contact National Debtline for free, independent advice.

Steve Vaid, chief executive of the Money Advice Trust, the charity that runs National Debtline, said:

“The record numbers of Debt Relief Orders registered reflects the challenges many are facing in keeping their finances afloat.

“Experiencing financial difficulty is often stressful, but options like Debt Relief Orders can help remove some of the financial and emotional pressure.

“Even if you are not eligible for a DRO, contacting a free, impartial debt advice service like National Debtline can be the most important step in dealing with your situation.

“I would urge anyone worried about their finances to get in touch as soon as possible to see what their options are.”

National Debtline provides free, independent, expert advice. Contact National Debtline for free on 0808 808 4000 or via www.nationaldebtline.org.

ENDS

Media enquiries should be directed to Harriet Dines at harriet.dines@moneyadvicetrust.org or on 07909 082 082.

Notes to editors:

  1. The latest insolvency figures are available via: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/individual-insolvency-statistics-may-2024/commentary-individual-insolvency-statistics-may-2024
  2. Data on the need for debt advice is taken from the Money and Pensions Service, available via: https://maps.org.uk/en/media-centre/press-releases/2024/eight-million-people-need-debt-advice#:~:text=Using%20its%20survey%20of%2022%2C519,with%20the%20money%20they%20owe.
  3. Changes to debt relief orders, due to come in on 28th June, include increasing the maximum debt value threshold to £50,000 and increasing the maximum motor vehicle value to £4,000 – changes National Debtline has welcomed and say will open the option up to more people struggling with problem debt.
  4. More information on the changes to DRO eligibility can be accessed via: https://moneyadvicetrust.org/blog/5-takeways-from-the-spring-budget/

About the Money Advice Trust

The Money Advice Trust is a charity which helps people across the UK tackle their debts and manage their money with confidence. The Trust’s main activities are providing free advice through National Debtline and Business Debtline, supporting advisers through Wiseradviser and improving the UK’s money and debt environment through policy, research and awareness raising campaigns.

National Debtline provides free, impartial debt advice from experts who care. National Debtline is run by the Money Advice Trust and can be contacted at www.nationaldebtline.org.

Business Debtline provides free, impartial debt advice for small business owners and the self-employed. Business Debtline be contacted at www.businessdebtline.org