• Low-Cost Liquidation
  • Bounce Back Loan Support
  • Stop HMRC & Creditor Pressure

  • Insolvency & Restructuring

What is a Scottish Trust Deed?

A trust deed functions as a repayment plan which is entered into by an individual and the people they owe money to. A trust deed can be a way for those struggling with unmanageable debt to pay back what they can in an affordable manner. Trust deeds are only available to those resident in Scotland, although they have many similarities with an IVA which is available across the rest of the UK.

Trust deeds are overseen by a Trustee who is usually a licensed insolvency practitioner. The Trustee will administer your trust deed for the entire duration of it. Their role includes dealing with creditors on your behalf, negotiating a monthly repayment amount which is affordable to you while also being satisfactory to your creditors, and distributing your monthly repayment amongst your creditors on a proportional basis.

Suggested Pages:

Start Closing Your Scottish Company Today

Take our 60 Second Test Today to understand your options and start closing your company

How does a trust deed work?

Trust deeds typically last for four years, during which time you will pay an agreed monthly amount to your Trustee. Your Trustee will then use this money and split it amongst those you owe money to. Once the four years is up, the trust deed will come to an end and you will not be required to pay any more money towards the debts which were included in the trust deed; the remaining debt will be written off.

Trust deeds are legally binding on all parties, which means so long as you keep up with the agreed monthly amount to your Trustee, your creditors cannot contact you and ask you to pay more. Entering into a trust deed will stop the phone calls and letters you are receiving from your creditors which can be a huge relief and source of anxiety to many.

Who are trust deeds suitable for?

Trust deeds are only available for those that live in Scotland and have unsecured debts of at least £5,000. Creditors must agree to the terms of the proposed trust deed before it can be made legally binding (or ‘protected’), therefore you must have enough surplus income to be able to afford to make a monthly contribution towards your debts; if your creditors are not satisfied with the repayment amount you can offer, you may need to consider an alternative debt solution such as sequestration. Your Scotland Liquidators adviser will be able to identify the most appropriate option based on your own unique circumstances.

Worried about your Bounce Back Loan?

As licensed insolvency practitioners we can talk you through your outstanding Bounce Back Loan options

Are all my debts included in a trust deed?

The vast majority of unsecured debts such as credit cards, store cards, overdrafts and personal loans can be included in a trust deed and consolidated into one affordable monthly repayment amount.

There are some debts, however, which you will not be able to include in your trust deed. These include mortgages, student loans, hire purchase agreements, court fines, and any court-ordered obligation to pay child support. If you have any of these debts, you will need to continue paying this as normal alongside your trust deed.

What are the pros and cons of a trust deed?

As with any formal debt solution, there are both positives and negatives to consider before you go ahead. Your Scotland Liquidators adviser will be able to talk you through these in more detail and answer any specific questions you may have; you should only enter into a trust deed following expert advice.

Advantages of a trust deed

  • You will be able to keep your home although you may need to remortgage to release some of the equity depending on how much the property is worth compared to the size of any outstanding mortgage
  • Entering into a trust deed is unlikely to affect your job
  • Creditors will stop contacting you
  • Your debts will be consolidated into one manageable monthly repayment
  • Any debt which remains unpaid once the trust deed comes to an end will be written off

Disadvantages of a trust deed

  • You cannot include all debt in a trust deed. This means you will be obliged to continue paying these excluded debts alongside the monthly trust deed amount
  • You may be required to release some of the equity tied up in your home
  • You can be made bankrupt if you do not keep up with the terms and monthly repayment of your trust deed
  • Creditors must accept your trust deed proposal in order for it to become a ‘protected’ trust deed and therefore legally binding
  • Your credit rating will be affected and your trust deed will be entered into The Register of Insolvencies which can be searched by the public

Take our 60 Second Test to understand your options

There are three main ways to close a company in Scotland. Taking our 60 Second Test will help our advisers identify the correct route forward for you and your company.

While all three closure options have their advantages and disadvantages, the right one for you will depend on a number of factors including the current financial position of the company and your plans for the future.

Laptop

How much will I have to pay monthly for my trust deed?

When proposing a trust deed to creditors, a careful balance has to be struck between offering an amount which is large enough to keep your creditors happy, while also being low enough so that you can afford to make this payment every month.

The amount you will have to contribute towards your debts through a trust deed will depend on a number of factors including the level of your debts and amount of your surplus income. The key thing to remember is that trust deeds are designed to be affordable and certainly less than the amount you are currently paying towards your debts.

Your adviser will work alongside you to understand your current budget and use the figures to propose a monthly repayment amount which is agreeable to both you and also your creditors.

If your circumstances change during your trust deed, such as redundancy, a promotion, a reduction in your working hours, or any other financial or lifestyle change, you must contact your Trustee and let them know. Your monthly repayment amount may be amended to take into account your new situation; this could be either an increase or a decrease depending on your circumstances.

For those who are suitable for a trust deed, it can offer a way out of personal financial difficulties and the chance for a fresh start after the four years are over. Trust deeds, however, will not be the best solution for all, therefore taking expert debt advice to identify the most appropriate option is vital.

Supporting 25,000+ Limited Company Directors

I knew I needed to close my company but I wasn’t sure how to go about this with large debts that I was unable to repay. Scotland Liquidators clearly explained my options and held my hand throughout the entire process.

Catherine Muller | Director

I would highly recommend Scotland Liquidators to anyone considering closing their business. From the first phone call I knew where I stood and what my options were. I cannot thank them enough.

Jonathan Booth | Director

Scotland Liquidators helped me close my company last year after I made the tough decision to stop trading. My advisor was patient, knowledgeable, and supportive from start to finish. Many thanks.

Colin Franklin | Former CEO

Trusted by over 1500+ Scots

Contact the Scotland Liquidators Team

There are several options when it comes to closing a limited company and it is vitally important you choose the one which is right for you, your company, and your creditors. Whether you are struggling with rising costs, falling trade, or impatient creditors, we are here to help.

  • Experts in Scottish Insolvency
  • 100% Confidential Advice
  • 5 Offices across Scotland
  • Licensed Insolvency Practitioners

Looking for immediate support?

Complete the form below to get in touch