This can be a good option to try before formal debt options if you have no available income or capital (savings or investments) and your situation is unlikely to improve (or may get worse) in the foreseeable future.
You can ask for all or part of the non-priority debt to be written off. If the creditor agrees, it means they will not collect any further payments and remove the debt from their records.
While most creditors accept the need to write off some debts, they don’t always agree when first asked.
Sample letters
You can find templates for sample letters to creditors on Citizens Advice.
Advantages
If the creditor agrees, it will reduce the pressure and the total amount of debt.
It will be accepted that further recovery action is not appropriate.
Disadvantages
The creditor may not easily accept to write the debt off.
It may affect your credit rating.