Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS): Scotland's Debt Solution
The Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) is a Scottish government debt management tool that lets you repay your debts in full over time, with all interest and charges frozen, and legal protection from creditor action. It's administered by the Accountant in Bankruptcy (AiB) and is unique to Scotland. Unlike bankruptcy or sequestration, you repay everything you owe, but at a pace you can afford.
Get instant help right now
A Citizens Advice appointment can take weeks. Our free assistant is available 24/7 with no appointment, giving you clear, step-by-step answers about your exact situation, what to do next, and the deadlines that matter.
Need to take action? It can draft a ready-to-send formal letter for you (optional, from £4.99).
England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland.
What is DAS and who is it for?
DAS is designed for people in Scotland who:
- ✓Have debts they want to repay but need more time and lower payments
- ✓Have a steady income (enough to make regular payments, even if small)
- ✓Want to avoid sequestration (bankruptcy) and its consequences
- ✓Need protection from creditors while they repay their debts
How DAS works, the Debt Payment Programme
Under DAS, you enter a Debt Payment Programme (DPP). This is a formal agreement that:
- ✓Freezes all interest and charges on included debts from the date the DPP is approved
- ✓Sets a single monthly payment based on what you can afford after essential living costs
- ✓Distributes that payment between all your creditors proportionally
- ✓Provides legal protection, creditors cannot pursue enforcement while the DPP is in force
- ✓Creditors can object to a DPP, but the AiB can approve it without their consent if the programme is fair
The Moratorium on Diligence, immediate protection
While setting up a DPP, you can get a 6-week Moratorium on Diligence, Scotland's version of Breathing Space. This gives immediate protection while you work with an adviser:
- ✓Creditors cannot take enforcement action (diligence) during the moratorium
- ✓Sheriff court proceedings are paused
- ✓Bank arrestments and wage arrestments cannot proceed
- ✓You apply to the AiB, it takes effect immediately
- ✓You can extend the moratorium if needed while your DPP application is being processed
How to apply for DAS
What happens if you can't keep up payments?
- ✓If you miss payments, creditors may object and the DPP could be revoked
- ✓Contact your money adviser immediately if you're struggling, payments can be varied (reduced temporarily or permanently)
- ✓If the DPP is revoked, creditors can restart enforcement action
- ✓You may need to consider sequestration (bankruptcy) if the DPP breaks down
- ✓Don't wait, early contact with your adviser gives the most options
Get instant help right now
A Citizens Advice appointment can take weeks. Our free assistant is available 24/7 with no appointment, giving you clear, step-by-step answers about your exact situation, what to do next, and the deadlines that matter.
Need to take action? It can draft a ready-to-send formal letter for you (optional, from £4.99).
England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Debt Arrangement Scheme?
The Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) is a Scottish government debt management programme that lets you repay your debts at a rate you can afford, with all interest and charges frozen, and protection from creditor action. Unlike bankruptcy (sequestration), DAS does not write off debt, you repay it in full over an agreed timescale.
Is DAS only available in Scotland?
Yes. DAS is a Scottish scheme administered by the Accountant in Bankruptcy. If you live in England or Wales, the equivalent protection for repayment plans is a Debt Management Plan (DMP) through a debt charity, though DMPs do not have the same legal protections as DAS. England and Wales also have Breathing Space for short-term relief.
What is a Debt Payment Programme?
A Debt Payment Programme (DPP) is the formal agreement created under DAS. Once approved, all interest and charges are frozen, creditors cannot take enforcement action, and a fair and reasonable repayment schedule is set up. Creditors can object but the Accountant in Bankruptcy can approve the DPP even over their objection if it is fair and reasonable.
What is the Moratorium on Diligence?
The DAS Moratorium gives you 6 weeks of immediate protection from diligence (Scottish debt enforcement, such as sheriff officer action) while you set up a DPP. This can be applied for quickly online through the Accountant in Bankruptcy. It can be extended for a further 6 weeks if needed, giving you up to 12 weeks of protection.
Can I include all my debts in a DAS?
DAS can include most unsecured debts, credit cards, loans, catalogues, utilities, and rent arrears. Some debts cannot be included, such as child maintenance, student loans, fines, and some secured debts. Mortgage arrears and secured loans usually cannot be included, though your DPP repayment schedule takes priority debts into account.
Related guides
Found this useful? Link to it
If you run a site, write an article, or help others with their rights, please link to this guide, it helps more people find free, reliable guidance.