Resources for debt advisers

Breathing space and disputed debts

In this case study, Specialist Debt Advice answer a question from an adviser whose client disputes liability for a utility bill, explaining how the debt respite scheme regulations and guidance apply to this situation.

Terminating a hire purchase agreement

Specialist Debt Advice answers a query from an adviser dealing with a hire purchase termination, explaining how and when a debtor can limit their liability using the voluntary termination provisions in the Consumer Credit Act.

Council tax liability for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs)

Response to a consultancy enquiry addressing council tax liability in HMOs, including case law and information about challenging liability.

Debt relief orders and monthly payments of backdated benefits

Response to a consultancy enquiry addressing how monthly payments of backdated universal credit disability elements are treated in a DRO.

Time for time orders

Steve Wilcox explains why time orders have historically been underused by the courts. Steve makes the case for advisers to refamiliarise themselves with this important tool in mortgage repossession using Shelter's new resources for professionals.

Time orders duty adviser guide

This quick reference guide provides answers to common questions that might come up for advisers and solicitors giving advice on the housing possession duty scheme.

January 2024

New guidance for car finance discretionary commission complaints, a survey on universal credit deductions, a new IMA report on workloads and wellbeing, and MaPS' debt advice strategy consultation.

February 2024

The FCA’s review of the Consumer Duty so far, proposed enforcement conduct standards, support for the inclusion of claimant data on the Register of Judgments, and prosecution for a fraudulent Bounce Back Loan application.

March 2024

Changes to the DRO qualifying criteria, IVA statistics for 2023, the government Debt Fairness Charter and the UK Regulators Network letter on debt collection.

January 2023

Enforcement agent reforms, revised guidance for IVA providers, and a new economic abuse toolkit.

February 2023

Forced pre-payment meter installations, new Household Support Fund guidance, and a consultation on Buy-Now-Pay-Later draft legislation.

March 2023

Updated guidance for mortgage lenders, Shelter’s CCA consultation response, and a consultation on proposed changes to court fees.

April 2023

Recording pension values in a DRO moratorium, energy suppliers benefit deductions, and an illegal money lending report.

May 2023

The latest DRO news, a new quality assessor for MaPS-funded cases, and warnings about unregulated debt advice providers.

June 2023

A 12-month grace period for mortgage repossessions, updated breathing space guidance, credit report guidance following a revoked DRO, and an update from the FCA.

July 2023

An open letter to government, the review of enforcement agent legislation, the government’s response to the CCA consultation.

August 2023

Government review of the personal insolvency framework, changes to County Court money claims processing, and mediation for small claims.

September 2023

New DRO guidance for creditors, new rules for vulnerable customers with prepayment meters, HM Treasury’s response to Shelter’s ‘open letter’, and findings from MaPS ‘call for evidence’ on deficit budgets.

October 2023

Updated DRO guidance for mobile phone contracts and recording of CCJs, an IMA workloads and wellbeing survey, further consultation on enforcement agent fees, and updated 'Help with Fees' scheme thresholds.

November 2023

SDAS ebulletin survey, credit report guidance for terminated IVAs and linked addresses, new regulations and consultations.

December 2023

DRO guidance, energy debt funds, new vulnerability guidance for water customers, and new complaints guidance on economic and domestic abuse.

September 2022

Includes details on energy bills resources, an increased fee for creditor bankruptcy deposits, and pensions relevant to the insolvency test.

October 2022

Includes details on advising rent guarantors, changes to the advertising policy for debt services, and updates to the Civil Procedure Rules.

November 2022

Includes details on cost of living increases, breathing space guidance on qualifying debts, and the effect of a charging order on homeowners.

December 2022

Includes details on published consultations, changes on how to address judges, and a cost-of-living impact report on people’s mental health.