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Student Loan - Are changes to Acts retrospective?

Hi there,

Basically my situation is that i went to uni 1999-2003 and have student loans (Northern Ireland education board) from that period. I've paid away at my loans for a number of years PAYE while working in the UK and have now moved abroad. I informed the SLC, checked the default amount for my new country of residence and set up a direct debit for that amount.
The problem is i have since been contacted by SLC and their in house debt collector, demanding details of my income and threatening me with arrears based on them saying i owe 246pm if i don't supply income details.
However while the latest Act regarding student loans does specifically require details of income for 'repayment from overseas', it didn't at the time i took my loan - the only mention of income in this section of the 99 Act relate to tax and PAYE, neither of which are relevant to me. So my questions are:

1 - Are the changes in these Acts retrospective and the 2009 Act now applies to my 99-03 loans?
2 - Am i correct in my interpretation of the wording of 'repayment from overseas' section in the 1999 Act?
3 - Can they effectively fine me for failing to provide information which was not required by the law at the time of my loan
4 - Is it legal to change the conditions of a loan after an agreement was made?

I don't feel that my income earned outside of the UK is any of their business unless they have a legal right to demand it. The internet is filled with stories of their bluffing and bullying so i was just trying to find out the truth.
Hope someone can help.

Dave
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