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Protected trust deeds are only available in Scotland. In the rest of the UK, an IVA is a similar solution, but has different benefits, risks and fees associated . We don't charge you for advice, but you make payments to your trustee or insolvency practitioner once your trust deed is in progress.

A protected trust deed is a legally binding arrangement in Scotland where you make reduced payments over four years. At the end of this time, your unsecured debts are usually written off.

A trust deed is a form of insolvency, so your unsecured debts need to outweigh the value of your assets, such as a house or vehicles. Unsecured debts include things like credit card debt, personal loans and store cards.

Trust deeds are only available if you live in Scotland. If you’re considering a trust deed, it’s important to get free and impartial debt advice first. You can only get a trust deed with the help of an insolvency practitioner.

StepChange Scotland is an organisation that’s trusted and authorised to help arrange trust deeds.

Benefits of trust deeds

  • With the help of an insolvency practitioner (IP) you arrange repayments to your creditors over four years. After this any remaining debt is written off
  • Once your trust deed is approved, your creditors won’t chase you for payment or add more interest and charges to your debts, and they can’t take any court action
  • While you may have to sell some assets, you’re usually able to keep one essential vehicle worth less than £3,000 
  • Although a protected trust deed is a formal debt solution, you don't need to appear in court

Risks of trust deeds

  • An insolvency practitioner normally takes a charge for their service out of your monthly repayment for your trust deed, so it’s important you understand what percentage this will be
  • A trust deed may affect the terms of your employment; if you're concerned about this you should check your contract or speak to your HR department
  • There's the risk of bankruptcy if your trust deed fails
  • Your credit rating will be affected for six years, starting from the date the arrangement is agreed

Before you make a decision on whether or not to enter into a trust deed, you should seek expert debt advice as there are a number of considerations to think about.

Other important things to consider with protected trust deeds

Considerations:

  • A trust deed is a legally binding agreement between you and your creditors
  • Provided you comply with the terms of your protected trust deed, your creditors can’t take further action to recover the money you owe or make you bankrupt
  • You’ll need to check if it’ll affect your job. A trust deed is a form of insolvency and having one can lead to disciplinary action or dismissal in some jobs, such as those in financial services or the legal profession
  • If you're granted a trust deed and you rent your property your landlord may terminate your tenancy agreement
  • If you’re a homeowner you may have to release equity from your property
  • You’ll have to pay any surplus income you have, after your essential living costs are paid, into your trust deed for four years
  • You must inform the trustee if your personal or financial situation changes, for example if you inherit some money, or you lose your job
  • Only the debts included in your trust deed will be written off at the end of it. If the trust deed fails, there’s a risk of bankruptcy
  • You’ll have to pay a fee for the services of the insolvency practitioner running the trust deed. This fee is normally deducted from your payments.

A trust deed should be carefully considered because of the possible consequences for your personal, professional and financial life.

How will a trust deed affect me?

  • You'll have to keep to a budget for the full term of your trust deed: usually four years
  • In addition to your employment, a trust deed can also affect any hire purchase agreements you might have
  • Your details will also be added to a public register, called the Register of Insolvencies (ROI), for a period of five years. The register is maintained by the Accountant in Bankruptcy (AiB) and is available for viewing by the general public. It contains all details of current protected trust deeds
  • There will be restrictions on your spending during your trust deed. You’ll have to stick carefully to a budget to ensure you can afford the monthly payments
  • There is a charge for the services of an insolvency practitioner, but the fees are deducted from the trust deed fund. This is the total amount of money you are able to offer your creditors and is made up of your monthly payment (over the agreed term) and any assets or equity included.

Video: What is a protected trust deed?

Common questions about protected trusted deeds

A trust deed will appear on your credit file for six years. It will also be registered on the public ‘insolvency register’ while the arrangement is in place.

Because your trust deed is recorded on your credit file creditors are less likely to lend to you. If they do, the interest and charges and the minimum monthly payments may be higher.

As you may struggle to keep on top of these payments, it’s not recommended to take out more credit while you’re still dealing with your existing debts through your trust deed.

If you come in to some money which means you have the funds to make a lump sum payment covering the full amount you owe, it’s possible your creditors will agree to this.

You should discuss this with your trust deed provider. They’ll advise you about whether your creditors are likely to agree to this and whether there are any benefits to you.

You can’t set up a trust deed without an IP (they're known as your 'trustee'). The IP draws up a proposal and will also help and support you throughout the arrangement.

If you’re recommended a trust deed, you'll be referred to one of our four trusted third party organisations: Cleanslate, Azets or French Duncan. One of these organisations will set up and administer your trust deed.

The easiest way to find out whether a trust deed is your best option is to use our free, confidential online debt advice tool.

As long as diligence hasn’t already started then you’ll be protected from any further court action.

You may have to sell any valuable assets. You’re usually able to keep one vehicle as long as it’s worth less than £3,000.

This depends on who you work for and your role. It’ll state in your employment contract if a trust deed will affect your job or you can ask your HR department.

Alternative debt solutions

While a trust deed may be the right solution to your financial situation, there are some other options that you might want to take a look at, including some that are only available in Scotland.