See how Debt Management Plans work, who offers them, and why clients choose Fresh Start for fewer queues, faster progress and ongoing check-ins.
✅ Start Free CheckDebt Management Plans (DMPs) are a trusted way to repay debt in a more affordable, stress-free way. But choosing a provider isn’t only about features — it’s about how they treat you. Big brands like StepChange and PayPlan offer free DMPs; others charge fees. We show the landscape clearly and explain why many people pick Fresh Start for speed, focus and personal support.
Start Free CheckHere are well-known providers people search for when exploring DMPs (some are free charities, others are firms that may charge):
Free providers can be a great fit if you’re comfortable with large-scale processes. If you want a smaller caseload, faster touchpoints and proactive check-ins, we’ll suit you better.
Compare OptionsMany national providers handle huge volumes — great resources, but it can mean queues and less personal contact. We do the opposite:
We push for interest/charge freezes where possible and set a realistic, sustainable payment around your essentials.
See If I QualifyLarge charities provide debt advice and administer DMPs without monthly management fees. Processes can be structured, and demand is high, so patience helps. Learn more in our StepChange alternatives guide.
Some firms charge set-up or monthly fees in exchange for a different service style and cadence. Fees affect how much reaches creditors, so we’ll weigh this carefully with you.
We map your numbers, timescales and preferences, then outline a route — free or paid — that fits your budget and stress levels. You’re in control.
Check FeesSetup depends on how quickly we complete your fact-find, confirm creditors and agree affordability — then on creditor responses. Many creditors agree to freeze or reduce interest/charges once a fair offer is in place (not guaranteed and varies by lender). We give you a reference number to quote while set-up progresses and help manage contact pressure with Breathing Space where appropriate.
Speed Up SetupYes — arrangements and reduced payments are normally visible on your credit file. For many, stabilising essentials and stopping the spiral matters more than short-term score. If writing off part of the debt is a priority, compare a IVA or DRO. We’ll explain all trade-offs so you choose with eyes open.
Discuss ImpactYes. If the service or fees don’t suit you, you can move. We’ll help gather balances, payment history and creditor references, then coordinate a smooth handover so momentum isn’t lost. See Stop Debt Collectors for managing contact during changes.
Help Me SwitchSurplus: £600 Suggested DMP offer: £480
We typically leave headroom for essentials and emergencies. This tool is illustrative — we’ll tailor it to your actual income and creditor responses.
Get My FigureWe include BNPL like Klarna and catalogues in your plan so you’re not juggling separate promises.
If a claim has started, timing matters. See Stop Court Action and speak to us about varying payments to something affordable.
If deductions are hitting your wages, we’ll help you build a realistic budget and explore options to reduce pressure.
Tidy My DebtsFee-free routes exist (e.g., large charities). Some firms charge fees. We’ll help you compare both so more of your money goes to reducing debt.
Yes, but we’ll prioritise essentials and council tax. We’ll also explore supplier support and energy arrears options.
Typically non-priority debts like credit cards, loans, overdrafts, catalogues and BNPL. We’ll confirm edge cases.
Often after creditors accept offers; we also help with Breathing Space if appropriate, and provide a reference to quote meanwhile.
Ask NowWe’ll reach out quickly (phone first, then WhatsApp if easier). We start your fact-find immediately and prioritise urgent risks like council tax and utilities.
No — we can guide a free credit check to surface missing accounts and make sure nothing is overlooked.
Contact usually reduces once a fair plan is accepted. We also help you use Breathing Space where suitable, and you’ll have a reference number to quote meanwhile.
DMPs repay balances; some formal solutions can write off debt (e.g., at the end of a successful IVA or eligible DRO). We’ll compare routes so you can decide.
We build headroom into your budget. DMPs are flexible; IVAs have formal variation processes. Tell us early so we can adjust.
Ask us for a personalised answer in minutes.
Send QuestionDay 1–2: fact-find and affordability; Day 3–7: creditor referencing and first offers; Weeks 2–6: acceptance decisions and interest updates. Timings vary by lender and how fast documents arrive. We’ll push progress and keep you updated.
Up-to-date balances and reference numbers; proof of income and essentials; responding quickly to any clarifications. If calls/letters are heavy, see Stop Debt Collectors and Breathing Space.
Fast-Track MeNo monthly management fees; widely recognised by creditors; high demand means structured processes. Good if you want the biggest share of each payment going to debts.
May offer different service cadence, but fees reduce what reaches creditors. We’ll help you evaluate whether the service trade-off is worth it for your situation.
If the style/availability aligns to your needs and the net time-to-stability is better for you. Otherwise, consider DMP via free routes or compare IVA/DRO.
Compare My OptionsMany lenders reduce or freeze interest/charges when offers are reasonable and consistent. It isn’t guaranteed; outcomes vary by creditor and account history.
We propose realistic payments grounded in your essentials, share context on hardship, and maintain regular updates so creditors see reliability. If interest continues, we’ll keep negotiating and review alternatives like IVA.
Ask About InterestYou have mainly non-priority debts (e.g., credit cards, loans, overdrafts) and can pay something each month after covering essentials.
Heavy priority arrears or enforcement (council tax, energy bills, mortgage arrears) may need a plan before or alongside a DMP. We’ll help you prioritise correctly.
Check EligibilityLine up your new payment method and reference before you cancel the old one; we’ll manage creditor handover letters and confirm balances so there’s no gap.
We explain the switch is about service fit, not stopping payments. This helps retain any goodwill on interest concessions already in place.
Plan My SwitchRead our guides before you choose: About a DMP, About an IVA, About a DRO, or see them side-by-side at Compare Solutions. You can also test numbers in our Debt Calculator.
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