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Sample Letter

Time has run out to recover the debt (sole name)

Use this letter to help you dispute liability for 'simple contract' debts. You must be reasonably sure that you have not made a payment or written acknowledging that you owe the debt during the six year period. You can find information about how to use this letter in our Statute barred debts fact sheet.

You can choose to send a letter in your own name or in joint names. You may have a debt in joint names, or want to write to your creditors together because you have worked out a joint budget.

  • Fill in your contact details, account number and any extra information you want to include in the grey shaded areas.
  • Today’s date will be added automatically.
  • Download your letter to your computer for saving and printing by clicking on ‘Download pdf’ or ‘Download doc’ on the left.
  • Sign each letter and enclose a copy of your budget if needed.

Our service is always free. If you have any questions or need advice, call us on 0808 808 4000.

Letter in joint names

You can choose to send a letter in your own name or in joint names. You may have a debt in joint names, or want to write to your creditors together because you have worked out a joint budget.

Change to joint version
You need to include the organisation name.
Name of the organisation you are writing toInclude the name of the person or creditor you are writing to.
You need to include their address.
Their address line 1Make sure you include the full address for the person or organisation. Don't forget the post code.
Their address line 2
Their address line 3
You need to include their postcode.
Their postcodeDon't forget their postcode.
You need to include your address.
Your address line 1Make sure you include your full address.
Your address line 2
Your address line 3
You need to include your postcode.
Your postcodeDon't forget your postcode.

27th September 2023

Date
Dear Sir/Madam
Account No:
This field is required.
Your account or reference numberYou will find your account or reference number on any paperwork from your creditor.
You have contacted me about the account with the above reference number, which you claim I owe. I do not admit any liability for your claim.
Under the Limitation Act 1980 Section 5:
“An action founded on simple contract shall not be brought after the expiration of six years from the date on which the cause of action accrued.”
Also, the Financial Conduct Authority's Consumer Credit sourcebook states the following.
"...a firm must not attempt to recover a statute barred debt in England, Wales or Northern Ireland if the lender or owner has not been in contact with the customer during the limitation period." 7.15.4
"A firm must not continue to demand payment from a customer after the customer has stated that he will not be paying the debt because it is statute barred." 7.15.8
Unless you can provide evidence of payment or written contact from me in the relevant period under Section 5 of the Limitation Act, you are no longer able to take any court action against me to recover the amount you allege I owe.
Please confirm in writing that you will not make any further contact about the above claim and confirm that this matter is now closed.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully
You need to include your name(s).
Include your full name