[creditorName] [creditorAddress] [creditorContact]
[letterDate]
To: [debtorName] [debtorAddress]
LETTER BEFORE CLAIM
Dear [debtorName],
Re: outstanding debt of £[debtAmount]
This is a formal letter before claim under the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims.
We write because the following sum is overdue and despite our previous reminders has not been paid:
Amount owed: £[debtAmount]
What this debt relates to:
[debtReason]
What you must do
You must, within 30 days of the date of this letter, do one of the following:
1. Pay the sum of £[debtAmount] in full to the account details provided below; OR
2. Reply with the enclosed Reply Form indicating whether you admit, dispute, or need more time, and proposing a way forward; OR
3. Seek free advice from one of the organisations listed in the enclosed Information Sheet and engage with us via that adviser.
What happens if you do not respond
If you do not pay or reply within 30 days, we may issue court proceedings to recover the debt. This will increase the sum you owe because the court fee, fixed costs, interest, and (where you have entered a contract) our legal costs would be added.
You should be aware that:
- A County Court Judgment ("CCJ") against you would appear on your credit file for 6 years. - A CCJ may make it difficult or expensive to obtain credit, mortgages, or rentals. - Enforcement options after judgment include attachment of earnings, charging orders against property, and bailiff attendance.
We would much prefer to resolve this without legal action. Please contact us on the details above to discuss a payment plan if you are unable to pay in full.
Payment details
Bank: ____________________________
Account name: ____________________________
Sort code: ____________________________
Account number: ____________________________
Reference: please use [debtorName] as the payment reference.
Documents enclosed
- A copy of the original invoice/contract; - A statement of account showing the debt and any payments made; - The mandatory Information Sheet (rights and free-advice contacts); - The Reply Form;- A Standard Financial Statement (for use if you propose a payment plan).
We look forward to hearing from you within 30 days.
Yours sincerely,
[creditorName]
INFORMATION SHEET
This sheet is required by the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims.
You owe a debt and the creditor has asked for it to be paid. You should not ignore this letter.
What you should do
If you owe the money: pay it.
If you are unable to pay in full: reply to the creditor and discuss a payment plan.
If you dispute the debt or part of it: reply to the creditor explaining why.
Where to get free advice
- Citizens Advice — citizensadvice.org.uk · 0800 144 8848 - National Debtline — nationaldebtline.org · 0808 808 4000 - StepChange Debt Charity — stepchange.org · 0800 138 1111 - PayPlan — payplan.com · 0800 280 2816
Standard Financial Statement
If you would like to propose a repayment plan, complete the Standard Financial Statement (downloadable at sfs.moneyadviceservice.org.uk) and return it with your Reply Form.
REPLY FORM
Tick one option:
☐ I admit the debt of £[debtAmount] and will pay it in full by ____________________________ (date).
☐ I admit the debt and propose a repayment plan: ____________________________
☐ I dispute the debt or part of it on the following basis: ____________________________
☐ I need more time to seek advice and will reply by ____________________________ (date).
Signed: _________________________ Date: ____________________________
Return to: [creditorName], [creditorAddress]
This letter was generated by UKContracts.uk in accordance with the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims. UKContracts.uk is not a law firm.