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10 year old gas bill ...............

Hello everyone
My step-son has received a bailiff warning for a 10 year old gas bill. Is there a time limit before the debt becomes written off.
I appreciate that the money is owed, but 10 years is a very long time.
Any advise would be gratefully received.
Thanks in advance!!

Comments

  • Raxiel
    Raxiel Posts: 1,403 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Bailiff as in Court appointed or a debt collector?

    If a debt isn't acknowledged or is denied the creditor has 6 years to bring a court claim or lose the right to pursue it, but if they've already been to court and obtained a judgement its a bit late for that.

    If that is the case, and If your step-son didn't receive any notification of court proceedings against him, he may be able to apply to have the judgement set aside and sent back to court for a fee.

    This isn't specific to energy companies though, so you'd probably get better advice in the part of the forum that deals with debt.
    3.6 kW PV in the Midlands - 9x Sharp 400W black panels - 6x facing SE and 3x facing SW, Solaredge Optimisers and Inverter. 400W Derril Water (one day). Octopus Flux
  • Cardew
    Cardew Posts: 29,064 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Rampant Recycler
    As indicated in the post above, many Debt Collection Agencies(DCA)write letters carefully phrased to imply there is a court order and threaten baliffs; so it may be a DCA 'trying it on'

    However if there was a genuine Court Order given after the correct procdures were applied, I believe it is still valid.
  • footyguy
    footyguy Posts: 4,157 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    SpookyAnna wrote: »
    Hello everyone
    My step-son has received a bailiff warning for a 10 year old gas bill. Is there a time limit before the debt becomes written off.
    I appreciate that the money is owed, but 10 years is a very long time.
    Any advise would be gratefully received.
    Thanks in advance!!

    The answer is no. :)

    Good luck!
  • macman
    macman Posts: 53,129 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Since you acknowledge the debt, then of course the other way of looking at is that ten years is a very long time for the supplier to wait for payment-your stepson has enjoyed a decade long interest-free loan.
    No free lunch, and no free laptop ;)
  • @spookyanna
    I would suggest contacting the Citizens Advice Bureau for help.
  • McKneff
    McKneff Posts: 38,857 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Is it a bailiff letter or a debt collector.

    Also if it's a debt collector is it not statute barred
    make the most of it, we are only here for the weekend.
    and we will never, ever return.
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