An increase in consumer debt prompted the Scottish Government to establish a debt management tool to support individuals, with one or more debt, without the strain of going through the court system.

The Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) was introduced in 2004 (through the Debt Arrangement Scheme (Scotland) Regulations 2004) allowing individuals to repay their debt(s) through a Debt Payment Programme (DPP) (usually no more than 10 years) without the threat of court action from creditors.

Further amendments were made in 2007, 2011 and 2013.

The innovative application by some advisers of the DAS for sole traders and partnerships inspired the Government to develop a “Business DAS”, and here MLM Debt Solutions provides an overview of 'The Debt Arrangement Scheme (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2014'.