Recent government figures show that 249 residents in Bury entered the Breathing Space scheme in 2025, which offers legal protection from creditors, including a pause on creditor action and no interest or charges for up to 60 days.
Also known as the Debt Respite Scheme, Breathing Space was introduced in 2021 to give people time to access free debt advice and develop a plan to manage their debts.
Since its introduction, 1,352 people in Bury have used the relief scheme.
Jack Sporcic, a debt adviser from National Debtline, said: “Behind every Breathing Space application is someone trying to find a way to cope.
“At National Debtline, we’re hearing from people who have never struggled with their finances before, but…