Poll Tax - am I in the clear ?

chorlton

Hi

does anyone know if people can still be liable for old Poll Tax debts?

Captain_Mainwaring_2

Sorry but you are not in the clear yet. There are millions out there not paid and many CC's are chasing these debts up.

I know exactly what you faced at that time.

clutton_2

i think your debts can be chased up for 7 years (i think)

Captain_Mainwaring_2

Under normal circumstances 6 years but I think that you will find that with these debts and some taxation debts they are covered by different legislation.

tbs624

Its not as straightforward as there simply being one "expiry" date for unpaid debts.
A debt can only be rendered unenforceable in the particular circumstances set out in the Limitation Act ( so that doesn't mean that you don't owe it any more - just that it cannot be recovered). My understanding is that it only applies where, for example, there has been no contact between the parties over the set period, and no part payments or other acknowledgement of the debt and i f there is already a CCJ then the statute-barred argument can't be used.There are variations between England & Wales, and Scotland, plus it's 12 years AFAIAA for mortgages/loans.

In Scotland it looks like Council Tax debts can be pursued for 20 years, esp where summary warrants were originally issued by the Council(edit: apparently the Council has another 20 years after that in which to collect!)

One to seek personal qualified legal advice on if you are being pursued for non-payment .