The government has launched a consultation on debt management schemes.
It is hoping to help consumers solve their debt problems as quickly and fairly as possible.
Called `Debt Management Schemes - delivering effective and balanced solutions for debtors and creditors`, the paper asks how such initiatives can help people in debt and their creditors effectively.
Among the issues being explored in the consultation is whether or not there would be benefits resulting from more consistent operators` charges.
Justice Minister Bridget Prentice, who is the MP for Lewisham East, said: "Debt can affect all kinds of people - especially in the current global economic downturn - and it is important that we protect people from sliding deeper and deeper into debt."
She added that the government is seeking to help both debtors and creditors, ensuring that money owed is repaid without the "vicious cycle" of charges, interest, fees and confiscated assets.
