DWP demanding debt over 22 years ago!

[francis1306]

Have had to refer to this post, http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?357434-DWP-demanding-21-year-old-debt-.&p=4513560#post4513560 whilst searching similar problem, but this post does not give the outcome or result of initial query/post-Frustrating!

 

Received letter addressed to my partner from DWP Debt Management, Mitcheldean.

The letter refers to an amount of £600. No further information is given.

 

This is the 1st letter my partner has received at our address where we have resided for 5+ years. My partner has never received any correspondence regarding this matter previously.

 

I telephoned no at top of letter to be told the only information they have, is that it refers to Income Support claim between 22/11/1991 – 16/4/1992, unbelievably over 22 years ago! Debt was not acknowledged in conversation.

 

From research, and clarification sought from local CAB, we understand that this debt is ‘statute barred’ and therefore recourse through courts is not an option available to them.

 

More, incredulously, we understand that DWP are contradicting their own regulations with regard to recovery in these circumstances, particularly:

 

DWP should consider abandonment, write off debt…

2 Unable to effect recovery and the outstanding balance is:

a) Under £25;

b) Under £100, and at least 6 years have elapsed since the last effective recovery;

c) Under £300, and at least 10 years have elapsed since the last effective recovery;

d) Over £300, and at least 20 years have elapsed since the last effective recovery.

 

We thought, as did CAB, that d) above, would have put this to bed making it unrecoverable, in all the circumstances so why have they written?

 

CAB will be posting relevant information, but need additional advice/confirmation as to the result/outcome of this situation, as described above.

 

And how should we respond to letter from DWP?

 

Many thanks for assistance and views. Any information pointing to a definite outcome of similar event would also be more than welcome as I maybe able to refer to this in my reply to them.

 

francis

[Conniff]

As that thread was so old Francis, I have started you a new one and added a link to the thread you joined.

 

 

Your thread is called DWP demanding debt over 22 years ago!

[BRIGADIER2JCS]

You need to contact DWP at Mitcheldean and state your case re 22 years time lapse.