1. What Does “Statute Barred” Mean in the UK?
A debt becomes statute barred when it is too old for a creditor to enforce through the courts under the Limitation Act 1980. This law sets time limits on how long lenders have to take action against you.
2. Time Limits for Different Debts
- Unsecured debts (credit cards, loans, overdrafts) – 6 years in England & Wales (5 years in Scotland) from the last payment or written acknowledgment.
- Mortgage shortfalls – 12 years for the capital, 6 years for interest.
- Council tax and benefit overpayments – 6 years.
- Utility bills (gas, electricity, water) – 6 years.
3. Conditions for a Debt to Be Statute Barred
For a debt to qualify as statute barred in the UK:
- You must not have made a payment in the last 6 years.
- You must not have acknowledged the debt in writing during that time.
- The creditor must not have obtained a County Court Judgment (CCJ).
If all these apply, the debt is legally unenforceable in court.
4. What Happens to Old Statute-Barred Debts?
- Creditors cannot take you to court for repayment.
- Debt collectors may still contact you, but you can refuse to pay.
- The debt usually drops off your credit file after 6 years.
5. Can Debt Collectors Still Chase You?
Yes, debt collectors can still ask you to pay, but they cannot:
- Take you to court.
- Harass or threaten you.
- Mislead you into thinking you must pay.
You can stop contact by sending a statute-barred debt letter.
6. Exceptions to the Rule
A debt may not be statute barred if:
- You made a payment within the last 6 years.
- You wrote to the creditor admitting liability.
- A CCJ was issued before the limitation period ended.
7. How to Check if a Debt Is Statute Barred
- Review your credit file (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion).
- Check the date of the last payment or acknowledgment.
- Request proof of the debt from the collector.
- Seek legal advice if you’re unsure.
8. How to Respond to Debt Collectors
If contacted about an old debt:
- Do not admit liability until you confirm the status.
- Send a “prove it” letter asking for the original agreement.
- If statute barred, send a limitation letter stating the debt is unenforceable.
9. Should You Pay a Statute-Barred Debt?
- You are not legally obliged to pay.
- Paying will restart the limitation clock.
- If the debt has dropped off your credit file, paying won’t improve your score.
10. When to Seek Legal Advice
Seek advice if:
- You receive a court claim for an old debt.
- You are unsure if the debt is statute barred.
- You are facing multiple debts and need a repayment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can a 10-year-old debt be collected in the UK?
Only if payments or acknowledgments were made within the last 6 years, or a CCJ exists. Otherwise, it is statute barred.
Q2. What if I get a CCJ for an old debt?
If the debt was already statute barred before the claim, you can challenge it in court.
Q3. Do statute-barred debts disappear completely?
No, they still exist, but they are unenforceable in law.
Q4. Can paying improve my credit score?
No, once the debt has dropped off your file, paying won’t change your credit report.
Q5. Can debt collectors harass me for old debts?
No, harassment is illegal. You can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) or the FCA.
Q6. Do mortgage debts follow different rules?
Yes, mortgage capital shortfalls can be chased for up to 12 years.
Conclusion
If you have an old debt more than 6 years UK statute barred, you may not need to pay it. Once the limitation period has passed with no payments, acknowledgments, or CCJs, the debt becomes unenforceable. Always check dates, request proof, and seek legal advice before making any payments to debt collectors.