“We want to see consistency between different debt
remedies and debt management tools and the way to
achieve that is by making advice mandatory across all areas.
There will also be one common financial tool to assess a
debtor’s ability to pay - something we welcome. Having one
tool provides consistency and hopefully more equality of
approach when determining levels of contributions.
“With regard to the length of payments in sequestration we
believe four years is too long and for some of the debtors
the payments would be unsustainable, which could have a
detrimental impact on people longer term.”
New Ways of Working
“The Bill brings a new emphasis on more efficient working,
streamlining the processes for creditors and debtors. So
applications will be made to the Accountant in Bankruptcy
(AIB) and are likely to be online.
“The AIB has also been awarded the power to review
decisions before appeal to the Sheriff Court and can transfer
debtors across to different debt solutions.”
Profile
Money Advice Scotland (MAS) is a national umbrella
organisation promoting the development of free,
independent and confidential debt advice and financial
inclusion. Established in 1989, the organisation is a
registered charity, with clear charitable objectives. I