Fresh Start Debt Support
Searching “what is debt collection” usually means the letters have started, the balance isn’t shifting, and you want facts—fast. This guide explains how UK debt collection works from the first missed payment through defaults, CCJs and enforcement, what collectors can and can’t do, and the practical steps to calm the contact and move to one affordable plan where suitable.
At Fresh Start Debt Support we help you protect essentials, understand your options, and—where appropriate—use Breathing Space to pause most enforcement while a longer-term solution such as a Debt Management Plan (DMP), an IVA or a DRO is prepared.
Start My Free Debt CheckWant to skip ahead? See Stop Debt Collectors for calm, step-by-step actions, or compare routes at Compare Solutions.
Debt collection starts with the original lender (bank, card, catalogue, utility, council). After a missed or reduced payment they’ll send reminders by SMS, email, app and post. This is still account servicing, not legal action. If you can’t pay, acknowledge the contact and focus on your priority bills first: council tax, rent/mortgage and utilities.
If arrears build, your lender may pass the account to their internal collections team or an external debt collection agency (DCA). Some lenders keep ownership and instruct an agency to chase on their behalf; others sell the debt to a specialist purchaser. Either way, you still have rights and options. See our guides to major firms like Lowell, Cabot, Moorcroft, Advantis, Wescot, Resolvecall, Hoist, Robinson Way, Fredrickson, Moriarty Law, Drydensfairfax, Link Financial, Capquest and PRA Group.
When an account is significantly in arrears, lenders often issue a default notice. Once defaulted, the account typically shows on your credit file for six years from the default date. This feels daunting—but it can also mark the point where a clear plan starts to work.
If no agreement is reached, a lender or DCA may apply to court for a County Court Judgment (CCJ) in England & Wales. With a realistic proposal and clear budget, you can often agree affordable payments even if a claim is issued. Court is a process, not a punishment. Priority stability still comes first.
Only certain debts and situations lead to enforcement, and usually only after a CCJ is granted and unpaid. Learn your rights in our in-depth guide: Bailiffs’ Rights. If you’re at risk, ask us about Breathing Space and urgent budgeting support.
Tell Me Where I Am in the ProcessCollectors must treat you fairly. Harassment, excessive calls or misleading threats aren’t acceptable. If the pressure is high, read Stop Debt Collectors for scripts and steps to de-escalate.
You can ask for details of the account, balances, interest, fees and—if sold—the assignment notice. Keep everything in writing where possible.
You never have to agree to a payment you can’t sustain. We help you build a budget—try the Debt Calculator—then propose a fair offer across all non-priority debts.
If you feel rushed on the phone, request written communication while you complete your budget. Then give one consistent, affordable figure through an organised plan.
Get Help Exercising My RightsPeople often mix up debt collection (letters, calls, repayment proposals) with enforcement (bailiffs). Enforcement typically requires a court order such as a CCJ and further steps. Most accounts never reach enforcement when a realistic plan is agreed early. If you’re anxious about visits, read Bailiffs’ Rights and consider Breathing Space while we get your plan set up.
Before you offer a penny to credit cards or loans, secure council tax, rent/mortgage and utilities. This protects your home, heat and light.
We’ll help you compile everything—cards, catalogues, overdrafts, loans, BNPL. If you’re unsure, we can guide a free credit check during your fact-find.
Use our Debt Calculator to sketch your numbers. No guesswork: real bills, food, travel, childcare, unavoidable costs.
With a DMP or a formal route like an IVA or DRO, most non-priority debts can be rolled into one monthly payment where appropriate.
Where appropriate, Breathing Space gives a legal pause on most enforcement while we finish your plan. We’ll advise if it’s right for you.
I Want Help Responding to LettersInformal and flexible. Many creditors reduce or freeze interest/charges (not guaranteed). Good for steady income and those who value adaptability.
Formal, legally binding. A single affordable payment for a fixed term. Remaining eligible unsecured debt may be written off on completion.
For low income/low assets. Debts are typically frozen for 12 months and written off if your situation doesn’t improve. Strict eligibility applies.
See the trade-offs clearly at Compare Solutions and then get a tailored recommendation.
Get My Personalised RecommendationCollectors act differently depending on the lender. Our lender pages help you set expectations and language for proposals:
If you also have catalogues or BNPL, read Catalogue Debt. For card balances, see Credit Card Debt. For Overdraft Debt and Personal Loans, we’ll help fold them into a single plan where suitable.
Make One Affordable OfferLong-term success means protecting essentials first—then structuring fair offers to credit cards, loans and catalogues.
After essentials are safe, we map one affordable figure across non-priority debts. The aim: fewer moving parts, fewer surprises.
Protect My Essentials FirstTake a breath. You can channel the contact through a plan that reflects what you can genuinely afford—not a number that only works for one month. Start with Stop Debt Collectors for scripts and letter templates, then check the specific firm’s page (e.g., Lowell, Cabot, Moorcroft, PRA Group).
Where appropriate, we’ll also help you use Breathing Space to pause most enforcement while we finish your setup.
I’m Being Chased — Help MeOur affordability work is grounded in real life, not spreadsheets. We secure essentials, plan for realistic food, travel and family costs, then set a sustainable contribution to debts. This raises acceptance across creditors and keeps your plan on track.
Secure council tax, housing and utilities to reduce crisis risk.
Cards, catalogues, overdrafts, loans and BNPL funnel into one fair offer through a DMP or formal route where suitable.
Use Breathing Space to create calm while we finalise your route.
Sketch a realistic budget with the Debt Calculator, then we’ll refine it together.
Build My Budget with a SpecialistNo. Debt collection is letters/calls and negotiation. Bailiffs (enforcement agents) generally only become involved after a court judgment and further steps. Learn more in Bailiffs’ Rights.
Regular debt collectors cannot force entry. Enforcement agents have specific rules and usually require a court order. If worried, read Bailiffs’ Rights and speak to us.
Contact typically reduces once a plan starts. We also help you use Breathing Space where appropriate while setup completes.
Arrears and defaults affect your credit file. However, many people prioritise stabilising the household and stopping the spiral first. We’ll explain short- and long-term effects clearly.
Not automatically. But a realistic, consistent budget and professional communication improves acceptance—especially when your plan covers all non-priority debts fairly.
Yes—most routes allow this. Useful if you owe to Barclays, HSBC, NatWest, Lloyds, Capital One and more.
We can still help. See Business Debt—we’ll design a route with realistic buffers and review points.
Some formal solutions (e.g., a completed IVA or an eligible DRO) may write off remaining unsecured debt. We’ll walk you through eligibility and trade-offs.
No. If you’re unsure, we’ll guide a free credit check during your fact-find to make sure nothing is missed.
Ask us directly and get a personalised answer in minutes.
Ask a Debt SpecialistOur aim is simple: fewer letters and calls, protected essentials, and a plan you can sleep on.
Start My Free Debt CheckWhen you’re ready, we’re ready—on your terms and timeline. If “what is debt collection” brought you here, let’s turn confusion into a clear, human plan.
Speak to a Specialist