Authoritative UK websites and guides we reference
These are the official UK resources we reference when building your DebtShield letter. Useful if you want to dig deeper into debt collection law, bailiff powers, statute-barred debt, or your right to challenge illegal collection practices.
Official government guidance on what debt collectors can and cannot do, and your rights when a debt is being collected.
gov.uk/recover-money-owed - UK Government
Official guidance on bailiff powers, what they can and cannot do, and when they can enter your home.
gov.uk/bailiffs-eviction - UK Government
Legislation governing debt recovery, court procedures, and bailiff enforcement. Contains the rules debt collectors must follow.
Legislation.gov.uk - County Courts Act 1984 - UK Parliament
Defines how long a debt can be enforced. Most debts are statute-barred after 6 years of inactivity. This is your protection against old debts.
Legislation.gov.uk - Limitation Act 1980 - UK Parliament
Handles complaints about debt collection by banks and financial institutions. Can investigate if a lender or collector has broken the rules.
Regulates data protection. Can investigate if a debt collector has broken your privacy by releasing your information unlawfully.
ico.org.uk - ICO
Can investigate aggressive or unfair debt collection practices. You can report debt collectors to your local trading standards office.
gov.uk/find-local-trading-standards-office - UK Government
Free debt advice and support. Can help you understand statute-barred debt, negotiate with collectors, and prepare responses to debt claims.
stepchange.org - StepChange
Free, impartial guidance on debt collection, bailiffs, statute-barred debt, and challenging illegal collection practices.
Citizens Advice - Debt - Citizens Advice
Free telephone and online debt advice. Specialist support for people facing bailiff action or aggressive debt collection.
nationaldebtline.org - National Debtline
Independent guidance on managing debt, challenging collectors, and your rights in debt disputes.
moneysavingexpert.com - MoneySavingExpert
A statute-barred debt is one that is too old to enforce through the courts. Most debts become statute-barred after 6 years of no contact. Once barred, a debt collector cannot take you to court, but they can still ask you to pay.
No. Bailiffs cannot use force to enter your home. They must have a warrant, and you must be home. They cannot enter using deception or force. If they do, it is assault and you can report them to police.
Check if the debt is statute-barred (more than 6 years old). Request a copy of the original agreement. Respond in writing within 30 days. Do not ignore it or they may go to court.
Yes, but they must follow fair collection rules. They cannot be threatening, contact you at unreasonable times, or contact your employer (unless it's for a court judgment). You can ask them to contact you by post only.
A County Court Judgment (CCJ) is issued when you lose a debt claim in court. You can appeal within 30 days if you have a good reason, or apply to set it aside if the debt is statute-barred or the claim was unfair.