Statute-Barred Debt
A debt that can no longer be enforced through the courts because the limitation period under the Limitation Act 1980 has expired. For most consumer debts, after 6 years of no payment and no written acknowledgement, the debt becomes statute-barred. Mortgage shortfall is 12 years for the principal.
A statute-barred debt is not extinguished — you still morally owe it — but the creditor cannot use the courts to enforce. The 6-year (or 12-year for mortgage principal) clock restarts on any payment OR any written acknowledgement. A token £1 payment or an email admitting the debt resets the clock. Some debts have different rules — council tax is 6 years before Liability Order but indefinite afterwards; magistrates' court fines have no limitation. Once statute-barred, the creditor should cease collection activity; continuing aggressive demands may breach FCA CONC 7 rules on fair conduct.