Debt Relief Order, DRO, Apply for a DRO, Alternatives to Debt Relief Orders
Debt Relief Order (DRO)
Debt Relief Orders
(DRO) are due to come into force on 6th April 2009. In contrast to other forms of debt relief, DROs are delivered in a closed network with a partnership with debt advisors, primarily from the advice sector.
(DRO) are due to come into force on 6th April 2009. In contrast to other forms of debt relief, DROs are delivered in a closed network with a partnership with debt advisors, primarily from the advice sector.
Representatives from the advice sector act as ‘approved intermediaries’ and assist debtors in making their application for a DRO to The Insolvency Service via an online application form. For an advisor to become an approved intermediary they must apply to a ‘competent authority’ to act as such.
A competent authority is a body designated by the Secretary of State as being able to authorise intermediaries. It is the competent authority who will then decide whether to grant an individual the authorisation to act as an intermediary, and not the Insolvency Service. As such, if you would like to apply to become an approved intermediary please do not contact the Insolvency Service.
The competent authority is responsible for ensuring that intermediaries have the appropriate training and experience, as well as to ensure that the appropriate complaints and equal opportunities procedures are in place. An organisation can become a competent authority by application to the Secretary of State.
In advance of DROs coming into force the Secretary of State has given the interim approval to six organisations to act as Competent Authorities. To apply to be an ‘approved intermediary’, please contact one of the following authorising bodies:
The National Association of Citizens’ Advice Bureaux (CAB)
Citizens Advice
Myddelton House
115-123 Pentonville Road
London
N1 9LZ
Tele: 0207 833 2181
Contact: Samantha Nurse (Money Advice Development and Policy Officer)
Email: Samantha.nurse@citizensadvice.org.uk
Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Please note that Citizens Advice will only consider intermediary applications from CAB employees or CAB volunteers.