@
ironborn For clarification.
Key points about statute-barred debts:
Not wiped out, but unenforceable: Statute-barred doesn't mean the debt is gone, but it means the creditor can no longer use legal action (like a court case) to recover the money.
No court action: The creditor cannot take legal action to force you to pay.
Payment still possible: You can still choose to pay the debt, even if it's statute-barred.
May still affect credit: A statute-barred debt may still be reported on your credit file, potentially impacting your ability to get credit.
Six-year period (generally): In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the limitation period is typically six years. In Scotland, it's five years.
Clock restarts: A payment made or acknowledgment of the debt in writing restarts the six-year clock.
Exceptions: Certain debts, like mortgage shortfalls, have different limitation periods.
DWP can still chase: The Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) can chase overpayments, even after the six-year period, by deducting them from your benefits.
