Expiry of ‘breathing space’ extension for people with problem debt in Scotland extended by six months to 31 March 2021

New statutory instrument amends original 30 September 2020 expiry date for measures introduced under the Coronavirus (Scotland) Acts

New regulations have been issued in relation to the expiry of COVID-19-related amendments to the extended ‘breathing space’ period for people with problem debt in Scotland.

In force from 29 September 2020, the Coronavirus (Scotland) Acts (Amendment of Expiry Dates) Regulations 2020 (SSI.No.299/2020) extend the original expiry date of 30 September 2020 for measures introduced by Part 1 of the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020 and Part 1 of the Coronavirus (Scotland) (No.2) Act 2020 to 31 March 2021 so that all provisions under those Parts continue in force.

In particular, the extended expiry date applies in relation to debt measures that extend the standard six-week 'breathing space' period during which creditors cannot take any enforcement action against debtors for debts owed to six months.

SSI.No.299/2020 is available from legislation.gov.uk