What is an IVA?

An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) is a formal debt solution that allows you to reduce your monthly payments and legally write off a significant portion of your debt. It’s a legally binding agreement between you and your creditors, arranged through a licensed insolvency practitioner.

Once approved, an IVA protects you from:

• ⚖️ Creditor contact or harassment
• 📉 Interest and late charges
• 🚫 Legal action and bailiff enforcement

You'll make one affordable monthly payment — typically for 5 or 6 years — and any remaining unsecured debt can be written off at the end of the term.

Who Qualifies for an IVA?

You might qualify for an IVA if you meet the following criteria:

• ✅ You owe over £6,000 in unsecured debt
• ✅ You have debts with two or more creditors
• ✅ You live in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland
• ✅ You have a regular source of income (employment, self-employed, or benefits)

If you're not sure whether you qualify, our team can offer free, no-pressure guidance based on your circumstances.

What Debts Can Be Included in an IVA?

You can include a wide range of unsecured debts in an IVA, including:

• 💳 Credit card debt
• 🏦 Personal loans
• 🏧 Overdrafts
• 🛍️ Catalogue and store cards
• 💸 Payday loans
• 🏡 Council tax arrears
• 🔌 Utility bills (gas, electric, water)
• 📄 HMRC debts (self-assessment tax, etc.)

Benefits of an IVA

• ✅ Stop debt collectors and bailiff action
• ✅ Freeze interest and late charges
• ✅ Protect your home and essential assets
• ✅ Write off unaffordable debt legally
• ✅ One simple monthly payment you can afford
• ✅ Get peace of mind and a clear end date

Our debt specialists are here to explain your options and help you decide if an IVA is the best fit for your situation.

Example: How an IVA Works

Here’s a real-world case that shows how an IVA can reduce your payments and write off debt:

Before IVA: Monthly payments = £717

After IVA: Monthly payments = £137

Monthly saving: £580

Debt written off: 78%*

*A debt write-off of 80% is typical based on IVA clients from April 2024–2025. Individual results vary.

IVA vs Other Debt Options

Not sure an IVA is right for you? Here’s how it compares to other popular solutions:

• IVA vs DMP: Both reduce payments, but only IVAs can write off debt legally.
• IVA vs DRO: DROs are for people with low income and no assets, while IVAs suit those with steady income.
• IVA vs Bankruptcy: Both are legally binding, but IVAs avoid court and allow you to keep assets in many cases.

Explore your full range of options — and remember, we’re here to help without pressure.

Why Choose Fresh Start?

We're a small, dedicated team helping people across the UK deal with debt quickly and personally. We take on fewer clients so we can give you the attention you deserve.

• ✅ Fast response — usually within 1 hour (Mon–Sat)
• ✅ Speak to a real UK debt specialist, not a call centre
• ✅ We offer a unique reference number to speed up your application
• ✅ Free, private and no-pressure support

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