Question regarding old debt

GP1983

Hi everyone 
I have an outstanding amount owed to Yorkshire Water.
It's approximately £200.
I am paying this back at £5 a month and I contacted them yesterday to check the current balance.
They couldn't find the debt initially, then told me that it was "written off". They then called me back and explained that there is an amount "owed" but they're no longer actively chasing it. They said "we won't write to you about it". But they said it's still owed.
The debt is showing as defaulted on my credit file 6 years ago.
My other debts are being paid off and my credit file isn't showing any recent defaults so I don't want anything else added to it, which will then take another X years to 'disappear'.
Can they add anything else to my credit rating if I stop payments? 
I hope that makes sense, 
Thanks.

[Deleted User]

They could in theory get a CCJ, which will be on your files for another 6 years.

GP1983

Thanks. Would they likely do that straight away, or write to me first?

Willing2Learn

They have to write to you first.  They would be required to send you Pre Action Protocol paperwork.

MalMonroe

This doesn't make sense to me and I'd have to contact them again and ask them to write to me and tell me exactly what they are on about. It's an old debt, they're not going to chase it but it's owed? What? And also, if it defaulted 6 years ago, shouldn't it be removed from your file now? Are you on some sort of payment plan at the moment? I certainly wouldn't worry about CCJs! It's really not very kind of people to suggest that Yorkshire Water may take one out against you for such a very small debt which you are paying off and which you have been in contact with them about. I think your best course of action is to phone one of the free debt help agencies such as StepChange. They are so very helpful without being judgemental and will be able to advise you. The calls are free and they really helped me when I did not know which way to turn. It seems that you may need a bit of friendly advice. Please call them, StepChange - as the advice is over the phone they should still be able to help even during the lockdown. Tel No.   0800 138 1111.  

sourcrates

If they say there not actively chasing the debt, then forget about it, it really is that simple, you no longer need to worry about it.

fatbelly

I presume you mean 'The debt is showing as defaulted on my credit file nearly 6 years ago.' The whole entry should disappear at the six-year mark.

It seems a little odd to me that they tell you they are no longer pursuing it when you are actively paying it. I wonder if they will pursue it if you stop making payments. But the only way to find out is to stop.

Does a balance show online?

GP1983

MalMonroe said:

This doesn't make sense to me and I'd have to contact them again and ask them to write to me and tell me exactly what they are on about. It's an old debt, they're not going to chase it but it's owed? What? And also, if it defaulted 6 years ago, shouldn't it be removed from your file now? Are you on some sort of payment plan at the moment? I certainly wouldn't worry about CCJs! It's really not very kind of people to suggest that Yorkshire Water may take one out against you for such a very small debt which you are paying off and which you have been in contact with them about. I think your best course of action is to phone one of the free debt help agencies such as StepChange. They are so very helpful without being judgemental and will be able to advise you. The calls are free and they really helped me when I did not know which way to turn. It seems that you may need a bit of friendly advice. Please call them, StepChange - as the advice is over the phone they should still be able to help even during the lockdown. Tel No.   0800 138 1111.  

Thank you very much for your help.

GP1983

fatbelly said:

I presume you mean 'The debt is showing as defaulted on my credit file nearly 6 years ago.' The whole entry should disappear at the six-year mark.

It seems a little odd to me that they tell you they are no longer pursuing it when you are actively paying it. I wonder if they will pursue it if you stop making payments. But the only way to find out is to stop.

Does a balance show online?

On my credit file, yes. But not on any Yorkshire Water webpage that I can see.

sleepyjones

If you stop paying, they *could* still sell the debt on and you'll then have a debt collector writing to you (they wouldn't be able to default it again or anything, but they can send you letters). 
They might not be "pursuing" it at the moment,  probably because you're paying it off so nothing is getting flagged on their system.   If you were to stop paying /  they do an audit (or whatever it would be called), then it could raise a marker on the system and they'll just sell it on to a collection agency for pennies.
For £5 a month, I would just continue paying, it's only £200 (not even that much since you've been paying it off).