Request Breathing Space Letter Template & Generator

If you need to request the 60-day breathing space moratorium on creditor action, a written letter is the recommended first step — it creates a clear record and shows you're pursuing the matter formally. Below is what a strong request breathing space should include, plus a free tool to generate yours.

What this letter needs to cover

• Identify the debts requiring protection
• Confirm the route to Breathing Space (standard moratorium via a debt adviser
• Or mental health crisis moratorium with evidence from an Approved Mental Health Professional)
• Request that creditor action and interest are paused for the statutory period

What Breathing Space actually protects you from

The Debt Respite Scheme (commonly called "Breathing Space") gives you 60 days of legal protection from most creditor action — this includes a pause on most interest, fees, and enforcement action like bailiffs, while you get debt advice and work out a plan. It's not debt forgiveness; it's a structured pause designed to stop the situation getting worse while a solution is found.

What to include before you send it

• Confirmation that you're entering the Debt Respite Scheme, generally arranged through a debt adviser rather than directly with creditors
• The date your Breathing Space period begins and ends
• A request that the creditor pause interest, fees, and enforcement action for the duration
• Confirmation of which specific debts are covered

An important detail about how this actually starts

You can't simply write to a creditor and declare Breathing Space yourself — it needs to be set up through a professional debt adviser (such as StepChange, National Debtline, or a local authority debt service), who registers it formally. This letter is generally used to confirm the details with creditors once the scheme has already been set up on your behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Breathing Space stop all types of debt collection?
Most consumer debts are covered, but some, like certain court fines and child maintenance arrears, are excluded from protection.

What happens after the 60 days ends?
You're expected to have agreed a plan with your debt adviser during that period — such as a debt management plan or another solution — before normal creditor action can resume.

See our full letter template & generator library for related letters, or use our free checkers for guidance specific to your situation.