Debt Relief Orders (DRO) are due to come into force on 6th April 2009. In contrast to other forms of debt relief, DROs are delivered in a closed network with a partnership with debt advisors, primarily from the advice sector.
Representatives from the advice sector act as ‘approved intermediaries’ and assist debtors in making their application for a DRO to The Insolvency Service via an online application form. For an advisor to become an approved intermediary they must apply to a ‘competent authority’ to act as such.
A competent authority is a body designated by the Secretary of State as being able to authorise intermediaries. It is the competent authority who will then decide whether to grant an individual the authorisation to act as an intermediary, and not the Insolvency Service. As such, if you would like to apply to become an approved intermediary please do not contact the Insolvency Service.
The competent authority is responsible for ensuring that intermediaries have the appropriate training and experience, as well as to ensure that the appropriate complaints and equal opportunities procedures are in place. An organisation can become a competent authority by application to the Secretary of State.
In advance of DROs coming into force the Secretary of State has given the interim approval to six organisations to act as Competent Authorities. To apply to be an ‘approved intermediary’, please contact one of the following authorising bodies:
The National Association of Citizens’ Advice Bureaux (CAB)
Citizens Advice
Myddelton House
115-123 Pentonville Road
London
N1 9LZ
Tele: 0207 833 2181
Contact: Samantha Nurse (Money Advice Development and Policy Officer)
Email: Samantha.nurse@citizensadvice.org.uk
Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Please note that Citizens Advice will only consider intermediary applications from CAB employees or CAB volunteers.
The Foundation of Credit Counselling (Consumer Credit Counselling Service)
Consumer Credit Counselling Service
Wade House
Merrion Centre
Leeds
LS2 8NG
Tele: 0800 138 1111 (Mon – Fri 8am – 8pm)
Contact: Ishani Ratnapala (Operations Development Officer)
Email: ishanir@cccs.co.uk
Website: www.cccs.co.uk
Please note that CCCS will only consider intermediary applications from CCCS staff
Baines & Ernst Ltd
Baines and Ernst Ltd
Lloyds House
18-22 Lloyd Street
Manchester
M2 5BE
Tele: 0161 216 8107
Contact: Nick Pearson (Director of External Affairs)
Email: Nick.Pearson@Paymex.co.uk
Website: www.bainesandernst.co.uk
Please note that Baines & Ernst Ltd will only consider intermediary applications from Baines & Ernst Ltd staff.
Institution of Money Advisers (IMA)
The Institute of Money Advisers
Stringer House
34 Lupton Street
Leeds
LS10 2QW
Tele: 0845 094 2384 / 0113 270 8444
Contact: Sallie Johnson (Professional Development Manager)
Email: sallie.johnson@i-m-a.org.uk
Website: www.i-m-a.org.uk
Please note that IMA will only consider intermediary applications from IMA members.
Money Advice Trust trading as National Debtline
National Debtline
Tricorn House,
51-53 Hagley Road,
Edgbaston,
Birmingham
B16 8TP
Tele: 0121 410 6247
Contact: Michelle Edwards (Contact Centre Manager)
Email: michellee@nationaldebtline.co.uk
Website: www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/england_wales/
Please note that National Debtline will only consider intermediary applications from National Debtline staff.
Totemic Ltd trading as Payplan
Payplan Ltd.
Kempton House
Dysart Road
Grantham
Lincolnshire
NG31 7LE
Tele: 0800 917 7823 (Mon – Fri 8am – 9pm / Sat 9am – 3pm)
Contact: Juliana Mclean
Email: juliana.mclean@payplan.com
Website: www.payplan.com
Please note that Payplan will only consider intermediary applications from Payplan staff.
