Members only

This course looks at:

Breathing Space which came into effect on 4 May 2021 and covers:

• What you need to do now (if you haven’t already)
• Application process, duration and review
• Breathing Space for people who are undergoing mental health treatment
• Which debts qualify and what debts are excluded (inc joint debts)
• When you can, and can’t, serve a notice or take legal action,(or even talk to the tenant about their arrears)
• The effect on existing legal proceedings
• The effect on APAs and rent/housing costs deductions in UC
• Your responsibilities
• Debtors’ responsibilities
• Engaging with debt advice providers
• What happens if you don’t comply
• How to challenge a Breathing Space.

Who should attend?

Essential for everyone involved in the recovery of debt, including those who need to answer queries and provide signposting advice and who hasn’t attended a previous training about Breathing Space.

Alison Markantonis is an experienced welfare benefits, financial capability and employment skills practitioner, who has worked successfully in the affordable housing and benefits sector for the last 27 years. She has worked with many housing and support organisations and brings her extensive experience to specialise in demystifying the benefits system, money management and employability skills training for both frontline staff and tenants. Her approach is participative and interactive, using case studies and her own experience to take the complex, and make it not only simple, but also applicable.