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Payday loans out of control? Here’s the safe way out.

High costs, rollovers and repeated card sweeps can trap you quickly. We’ll stabilise things with Breathing Space, cancel continuous payment authorities (CPAs), and move multiple debts into one affordable plan that prioritises rent/mortgage, council tax and utilities first.

Breathing Space — pause most enforcement, freeze most interest

Why it’s the first step

In England & Wales, the Debt Respite Scheme gives you up to 60 days of protection on qualifying debts. During that window, most enforcement is paused and most interest/fees are frozen while you set your plan. There’s also a Mental Health Crisis route that lasts for the treatment period plus 30 days. Use this window to build a defendable budget and choose DMP/IVA/DRO.

Breathing Space isn’t a payment holiday — you should still make affordable payments where possible.

Stop payday lenders taking money — cancel the CPA

What is a CPA and why cancel it?

Payday lenders often collect via a continuous payment authority (CPA) on your card. If funds are short, repeat attempts can trigger fees or bounce essentials. You can cancel a CPA with your bank/card provider. Ask for a written confirmation and consider using a safe basic account away from affected lenders.

After cancelling CPAs, we’ll notify lenders and include them in one affordable plan so payments are fair and consistent.

Payday loan refunds — irresponsible lending complaints

When a complaint may be worth it

If loans were repeatedly rolled over, topped up, or obviously unaffordable, you may be able to complain. Outcomes vary, but where upheld you could get interest/charges refunded and balances adjusted. We’ll help you gather evidence (bank statements, timelines, messages) and direct you to the right process.

Complaints and refunds are separate from your debt solution. We’ll guide both tracks in parallel so you stay protected.

Which route works best with payday loans? (DMP · IVA · DRO)

One affordable payment, realistic expectations

DMP: Informal and flexible; many lenders freeze/reduce interest when your budget is realistic (not guaranteed).
IVA: Formal, legally binding; interest/charges typically frozen, and remaining qualifying unsecured debt can be written off at completion.
DRO: For low income/low assets within set criteria; qualifying debts are written off after 12 months (the application fee has been removed).

We’ll fund essentials first (home, council tax, energy) and share a fair amount across non-priority debts.

Payday loan debt help “near me” — local & remote options

Fast set-up, credible support

Prefer local? We’ll signpost you and still handle most steps remotely to save time. Many people choose phone/video to manage evidence, scripts and budgets quickly — especially useful around work and childcare.

Letters, defaults & court threats — de-escalate the pressure

What to do right now

Open everything, keep copies, and respond within deadlines. Tell us immediately if you receive a “Letter of Claim”. With Breathing Space in place and a defendable budget, most new enforcement is paused while we set your plan.

Priority vs non-priority — protect your home & essentials first

Why this order matters

Payday loans are non-priority. Fund rent/mortgage, council tax, gas/electric, water and food first, then offer a fair share to other creditors. This reduces risk and makes lenders more likely to accept reduced payments.

Payday loans — repayment vs protected plan estimator

See why a protected plan can help

Estimate how long you’d take to clear balances without help vs. setting one affordable payment:

Independent guidance (use alongside our help)

Trusted sources

Review official explainers on payday loans and Breathing Space while we set up your plan:

• GOV.UK: Breathing Space (Debt Respite Scheme)
• MoneyHelper: What is Breathing Space?
• Citizens Advice: Payday loans & CPAs
• StepChange: Dealing with payday loan debt
• National Debtline: Payday loan debt

Payday loan debt — frequently asked questions

Will Breathing Space stop calls and bailiffs immediately?

Once entered, most new enforcement is paused and contact should reduce while you set a plan. Some communications may still be needed for updates and legal notices.

Can I include payday loans in a DMP or IVA?

Yes, they’re typically included as unsecured debts alongside cards, overdrafts and catalogues.

Should I pay payday loans before council tax or energy?

No — protect essentials first. Then share a fair amount across non-priority creditors through a plan.

What about refunds for irresponsible lending?

If affordability checks were poor, you can complain. We’ll help you gather evidence and understand likely outcomes.

I’m in Scotland — are options different?

Yes (e.g., moratorium, Trust Deeds, DAS). Tell us your postcode and we’ll signpost correctly.

Ready to stop the payday loan spiral?

Use Breathing Space to pause pressure, cancel CPAs to protect essentials, and move everything into one affordable payment. We’ll draft scripts, handle paperwork and keep your plan defendable.