How long before my debts get wiped?

Debts can be only be wiped by paying them off, either to the full amount, or the satisfaction of the creditor, OR, if the debt falls under the Statute of Limitations. This states that if you haven't "acknowledged the debt in writing for 6 years or over, then the Statute of Limitation Act 1980 comes into force."

Whenever writing to a Debt Collection Agency, be sure to head each letter with

I DO NOT ACKNOWLEDGE ANY DEBT TO YOU OR ANY OTHER ORGANISATION OR COMPANY YOU CLAIM TO REPRESENT.

This can help in the future if acknowledgment of the debt ever comes into question.

If you then write to the Debt Collection Agency, then remember to use sections such as the following:

The last correspondence of this debt was made over six years ago and no further acknowledgement or payment has been made since that time. Unless you can provide evidence of payment or written contact from me in the relevant period under Section 5 of the Limitation Act, I suggest that you are no longer able to take any court action against me to recover the alleged amount claimed.

The OFT Debt Collection Guidance states further that "continuing to press for payment after a debtor has stated that they will not be paying a debt because it is statute barred could amount to harassment contrary to section 40 (1) of the Administration of Justice Act 1970".