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.[1]
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.[1]
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.[1] 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.[2]