Conclusions.

• Clients remain debt free following CAP’s support over the longer-term, with DROs an equally sustainable debt solution.
• Financial education and rehabilitation can be provided effectively during the shorter period of time those granted a DRO work with CAP.
• Clients still feel in control of their finances several years after becoming debt free, but those granted a DRO are slightly more likely to feel uncertain.
• Most do not use credit after becoming debt free, with those who went through a DRO most reluctant or unable to obtain it.
• Where credit is taken out, it is predominantly managed well with repeat problem debt only affecting a handful.
• Several years on from becoming debt free, there is increased financial resilience and saving compared to the point of falling into financial difficulty. Low income, however, means that those granted a DRO continue to face significant challenges to saving.
• Repeat problem debt is rare, but where it does occur this happens quickly and often only through priority arrears. This appears to be the result of wider circumstances rather than a lack of budgeting skills.
• The skills learnt through CAP’s service are considered valuable and have a ripple effect on the financial wellbeing of clients’ social networks.