Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs) have become a very popular alternative to those with unsecured
debt potentially facing bankruptcy. In May 2010, the IVA protocol was updated to simplify the process.
As a result of this simplification, it has become easier for an Insolvency Practitioner to draw up a
proposal to present to Creditors, and therefore lower their fees. This in turn means that Creditors may
be more agreeable to the terms of the proposed IVA.
Financial Review
During the Proposal process, the Insolvency Practitioner will need to gather information from the applicant,
or debtor, in order to be able to calculate a reasonable and affordable monthly repayment schedule to present
back to the creditors. This means that the amount payable will vary from individual to individual, however
the criteria will remain the same for everyone.
There are 4 financial areas that an Insolvency Practitioner will ask about during the process, and each will
require proof. These are as follows:
• Assets: The Insolvency Practitioner must be advised of any assets the applicant may have. Any material assets
will need to be independently valued and proof must be provided. In some situations, the applicant may be expected
to sell some of their assets and any funds raised may be put towards the IVA.
• Liabilities: This refers to all known and potential creditors. Evidence to be supplied may include statements,
letters or agreements from the creditors. Any evidence provided should be dated within 6 weeks of first contacting
their Insolvency Practitioner.
• Income: Proof of income is vital in order to calculate affordable payments. Payslips, or equivalent in the case of
the self employed, will be accepted as proof. Where payslips are unavailable, bank statements may suffice. If the
debtor is in receipt of any rental payments (eg from a lodger) then this will also need to be declared and included
in the monthly income. Information on any benefits received will also be required.
• Expenditure: This is also very important to disclose. All reasonable expenses will be taken into consideration,
for example; the cost of living; mortgage or rent; utility bills and council tax; pension payments; vehicle finance
or hire purchase agreements; secured bank loans and so on. Any expenses that are out of the norm, for example health
insurance or Payment Protection Insurance, should be declared along with a note explaining why it is an essential expense.
There may be some restrictions with certain expenses, for example Pensions, which an Insolvency Practitioner will discuss
with the applicant.
Home Owners
Where an applicant owns, or partially owns their home, then any equity in the property will need to be taken into
consideration. Depending on the circumstances, equity may need to be released from the property in order to go towards
the IVA. This will normally be 6 months before the conclusion of the IVA and will be limited to a maximum of 85% of loan
to value (LTV) with the incremental cost of the remortgage being no more than 50% of the monthly contribution to the IVA.
For further information regarding this matter, please see ‘IVAs and mortgages’.
Once all the information has been gathered by the Insolvency Practitioner, they will calculate a reasonable monthly amount
to be repaid to the applicants Creditors. It will then be presented at the Creditors meeting when they will vote on whether
to accept or refuse the IVA proposal.