Client was prosecuted 21 yrs ago for overpayment of income support, he cannot remember the case results except that the case was won by DHSS. He believes the said overpayment was paid off and he has signed on at least 17/18 times since as his trade is seasonal. He cannot remember the amount of the overpayment, so long ago and cannot even remember who he banked with at the time.

Out of the blue he has received a demand for the said overpayment, how can you possibly defend something from 21 yrs ago and why if it was due was he not asked to pay it back each time he signed on?

Any help or ideas greatly appreciated.

Look at this thread

http://www.rightsnet.org.uk/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=107&topic_id=1278&mesg_id=1278&page=

Your client's debt must be statute barred unless he has made a payment on it or acknowledged that he owes it within the last 6 years.