Open University, statute barred after 6 years or special rules?

Hannah_10

In 2000 I tried to study with the OU, but was made homeless half way through and so ended up not being able to complete it. I think they were chasing me for unpaid bills at the time, but I'm not sure because I wasn't getting my post and in the process of becomming homeless lost all my OU paperwork. I just had nowhere to store anything, so it all had to be dumped.

Then in 2005 I apparently contacted them again because when I spoke to the OU on the phone today they told me so. I honestly can't remember if I signed up for a course then or not, I know I was thinking of it but did I do it? In 2006 I was taken very ill so again it was the last of my concerns.

I've been keeping a close eye on my credit files for over a year now and nothing shows on those about the OU. If it turns out that I do owe them money I will just have to come to an arangement to repay it.

The debt, if there even is one, was incurred either 11 years ago and/or 6 years ago. On both occassions I was in receipt of full fee remission, so it should have been paid by the OU themselves anyway but because I didn't get my assignments in on time my funding was withdrawn, leaving me liable for the fees... I think.

Does statute barring apply in the same way to the OU or are they subject to the same rules as any other creditor?

I've applied today for another course, which I expect to be able to complete, including for fee remission. They have not commented on my previous account however. Now I'm worried they are going to chase me for £1k-£2k of old fees. Would I be obliged to repay them if they did?

Don't take this to mean I don't wish to repay, I just want to know where I officially stand. It's a complex situation.

Clarie_2

As far as I know, if they did have a debt with you it would count under the rules and be staute barred. However, I wouldn't take my word for it - you could always ask them if you are really concerned?

gizmo0205

If you received financial support from them previously whereby they paid your course fees and you received a grant you are not required to repay this, you will just be entitled to five years funding now rather than six.