Time has run out to recover the debt | Sample letter

This sample letter covers England and Wales

For a version of this sample letter that covers Scotland, please click here.

Use this letter to help you dispute liability for ‘simple contract’ debts. You must be reasonably sure that you have not made a payment or written acknowledging that you owe the debt during the six year period. You can find information about how to use this letter in our Statute barred debts guide.

You can choose to send a letter in your own name or in joint names. You may have a debt in joint names, or want to write to your creditors together because you have worked out a joint budget.

Fill in your contact details, account number and any extra information you want to include in the grey shaded areas.
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Sign each letter and enclose a copy of your budget if needed.

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Letter in joint names

You can choose to send a letter in your own name or in joint names. You may have a debt in joint names, or want to write to your creditors together because you have worked out a joint budget.

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1st July 2024 [today’s date]*

Dear Sir/Madam

Account No:

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You have contacted me about the account with the above reference number, which you claim I owe. I do not admit any liability for your claim.

Under the Limitation Act 1980 Section 5:

“An action founded on simple contract shall not be brought after the expiration of six years from the date on which the cause of action accrued.”

Also, the Financial Conduct Authority’s Consumer Credit sourcebook states the following.

“…a firm must not attempt to recover a statute barred debt in England, Wales or Northern Ireland if the lender or owner has not been in contact with the customer during the limitation period.” 7.15.4

“A firm must not continue to demand payment from a customer after the customer has stated that he will not be paying the debt because it is statute barred.” 7.15.8

Unless you can provide evidence of payment or written contact from me in the relevant period under Section 5 of the Limitation Act, you are no longer able to take any court action against me to recover the amount you allege I owe.

Please confirm in writing that you will not make any further contact about the above claim and confirm that this matter is now closed.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully

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Time has run out to recover the debt (sole name)

Letter in joint names