Debt relief order

Debt relief orders (DROs) are a simplified, quicker and cheaper alternative to bankruptcy as an insolvency measure in the United Kingdom. They came into effect in England and Wales on 6 April 2009, and are also offered in Northern Ireland.

Debt relief orders are suitable for debtors who have relatively low liabilities, little surplus income and few assets. Depending on eligibility, they can be a viable alternative to other insolvency measures, such as Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs), and when bankruptcy would be disproportionate. Vulnerable people trapped in debt may be able to have a fresh start.

It is possible to apply for a DRO without attending court. There is a fee of £90 to obtain a DRO in Northern Ireland, which may be paid by installments prior to applying for the order. As part of the 2024 United Kingdom budget, the application fee was abolished in England and Wales effective 6 April 2024; DROs may now be obtained in that jurisdiction without charge.