Thanks everyone. I see Radiobirdman's comment on 7th April. After receiving the first letter it was a good 4 weeks until I received a second letter (which I have just received). The first letter seemed to be far more stern than the follow up, so I am hoping that Radiobirdman is right. I am trying not to worry. Not I just wait........ Cheers to everyone for all the help.

Thank you all very much for your replies - please keep them coming. When I said I can afford to pay the debt that is being asked for - I didn't mean for that to sound easy - as it wouldn't be - but if that's the only debt I have to pay it would be achievable. There has been some varying advice here - and hopefully in a day or so I can make an informed decision on my course of action. Thanks once again to all those that have helped.

I moved to Australia more than 3 years ago. I left behind in the UK a number of different debts (credit cards and personal loans) totalling somewhere around 30,000 GBP (I did try to set up agreements to repay this but the creditors did not want to listen - so in the end I had no option but to leave it - or so I felt at the time anyway). Things have been quiet. I had a few letters at my new home in Australia from the companies and from debt collection companies in the UK, but I did not respond. I heard nothing more for quite some time, but I have now received a letter from an Australian debt collection company stating I need to pay or face legal action. The debt this company is chasing is, on it's own, something I can repay fairly quickly. But I am worried about responding in case it leads to all my other debts catching up with me and not being able to pay again. But I am also worried about this affecting my credit rating in Australia, as I am hoping to become a permanent resident in the next couple of years and get a mortgage. Any advice much appreciated.