U.K. debt living in NZ

tinorangi

I have an outstanding uk credit card...

I have an outstanding uk credit card debt that has recently been sent to a debt Colection agency in the UK. I have no other uk debts. I have a multi part question. 1. Before being sent to a recovery firm I advised the lender I was based overseas? At that point Australia. Having spoken with Step change they have advised I have £30 per month uncommitted that I could of them. This would however take 34 years to repay and the agency may continue to haras and seek a larger repayment. The Colection agency doesn't have my current NZ address. Can they "do" anything else to get me to repay? Am I best to make these repayments even if it takes 34 years to do so? Should I even bother making contact with them, I had heard that if you pay nothing for 6 years then the debt is forgotten, is this correct? Additionally on the NZ side are there any impacts I should be wary of ? Can they affect my NZ credit rating, send collectors after me here or et a judgement against me. My final question relates to pensions. I have a uk pension of £5k are their options with releasing this to the Colection agency? I'm really looking for the best solution that protects me in NZ and resolves the matter in the UK in a reasonable amount of time.

boo_star

They can still chase you.

I don't know if NZ has a reciprocal agreement with the UK (essentially UK judgements would be enforceable in that country) but even if they don't they could still seek judgement in NZ.

I couldn't tell you how likely that is though. Probably not likely unless the amount is high enough for it to be worthwhile. I would imagine tens of thousands, not a couple of grand (IMO.)

tinorangi

Thanks!

It's about £10k and owed to Robinson way.

I don't really want to pay £34 per month, if it's going to take 34 years to pay...

Anyone know or had any success in either

A) not paying anything, can they get a ccj if you live offshore ?
paying a smaller amount as a lump sum I.e. 10p in the pound
C) using pension (I'm 35!)
D) other ideas!

Thrugelmir

Why the concern? Will you be returning home?

tinorangi

No, no plans to return home anytime soon (to cold!)..they don't have a forwarding address nor no what country I'm in. Though I did tell this to Stepchange. My parents still live over there I suppose I'm worried they weight be bothered or that they might track me down over here

boo_star

tinorangi wrote: »

Thanks!

It's about £10k and owed to Robinson way.

I don't really want to pay £34 per month, if it's going to take 34 years to pay...

Anyone know or had any success in either

A) not paying anything, can they get a ccj if you live offshore ?
paying a smaller amount as a lump sum I.e. 10p in the pound
C) using pension (I'm 35!)
D) other ideas!

A). It's a gamble but yes it can work. Yes, they can get a CCJ if you're non-resident.

This can work, generally offer a low amount and work from there. It depends on the age of the debt as to how low they'll go but I suspect 10% is going to be rejected immediately.

C) I assume cashing in on a pension? I wouldn't do it personally.

D). No idea.

tinorangi

Thanks...has anyone done pension release for something like this. Being overseas I'm really discounting having access to this at any time the pot I have in the uk (£5k ) is irelevent 30years hence when I'll likely end up with an NZ pension, a ccj in the uk and a plan to never head back.

tinorangi

Also would be going bankrupt in the uk be an idea...or should I just put my head in the sand a mind hope..so confused on the best route to take!

than_prutt

Personally, I think it's morally wrong not to repay your debt. You've been spending money which was not yours and now you are finding ways of not to pay it back, I wouldn't be able to live with that.


All I can say is, good luck. NZ is not a bad place to live after all.

bris

Pay nothing, the damage is already done. They can't chase you through the NZ courts.


It won't affect you NZ credit history because you don't have one yet.


The finance world is however a small place and your history will bite you in the bum if they do proper background checks, but there are still plenty lenders who will just treat you the same as any other lender with no credit history.

redpete

Might it affect job prospects over there? I now my daughter had a credit check done from the UK on her Canadian history when aopplying for a job in the UK. If you get a CCJ against you and a prospective employer found it they might not be impressed.