The Debt Arrangement Scheme, or DAS, is a statutory scheme in Scotland that lets you repay your debts in full over a longer period, with interest and charges frozen and protection from creditors. Unlike a trust deed, it is not a form of insolvency and nothing is written off.
DAS was set up by the Scottish Government and is run by the Accountant in Bankruptcy. At its heart is a Debt Payment Programme, a single affordable monthly payment that is shared out among your creditors over a reasonable period.
Because you repay what you owe in full, DAS suits people who can cover their essential bills and still have something left over each month, but who need more time and protection to clear their debts. You apply through a DAS approved money adviser, and free advisers can set this up for you.
Once your programme is approved, you make one regular payment based on what you can afford after essential living costs. Your creditors cannot add interest or charges, chase you for payment, or take court action to enforce the debts. If you complete the programme, any frozen interest and charges are written off, though the original debt itself is repaid in full.
If your circumstances change, you can ask to vary your payments, and payment breaks of up to six months are possible. The programme lasts as long as it takes to repay your debts, so it can run for several years depending on how much you owe.
| Feature | Debt Arrangement Scheme | Protected Trust Deed |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Debt management, not insolvency | Insolvency |
| Debt written off | None, you repay in full | Remaining debt after the term |
| Interest & charges | Frozen, written off on completion | Frozen once protected |
| Typical length | As long as it takes to repay | Around 4 years |
| Best for | Those who can repay in full with time | Those who cannot realistically repay in full |
DAS is only available in Scotland, and you can only apply through a DAS approved money adviser. Free advisers at services like StepChange, Citizens Advice Scotland and National Debtline can check whether it fits and set it up at no cost. A trust deed or sequestration may suit better if you cannot repay in full.
If you miss payments your programme can be revoked, after which creditors may add back interest and charges and resume action, so it is important the payment is genuinely affordable from the start.
DAS is one of several Scottish options. You can check which might suit your situation, with no obligation.
You never have to pay anyone to understand your options. These services are free, independent and will go through every route with you.