Quote 1:
"Records of IVAs are kept on a public register. To find out if someone has an IVA, records can be searched by anybody including members of the public either in person, by post or by fax."
Quote 2:
" Records of IVAs are held for six years on credit reference agency files."
Source:
http://www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/england_wale s/factsheet.php?page=26_individual_voluntary_a rrangements
Basically, if you enter into an IVA you can assume that you will not be allowed to enter into any new credit agreement during the course of the IVA.
Remember that you can only set up an IVA through an Insolvency Practicioner who may well require 'up front' payment of his/her fees. These are usually at least �4000 and you won't get that money back if the courts (or the creditors) don't agree to the IVA arrangements. (i.e. you risk ending up even worse off than when you started).
Chris