06-22-2026, 12:41 PM
Yes, copy Gladstones. It avoids any suggestion that you are corresponding with the court behind their back on a live case-management issue.
I would keep this short and procedural. The main point is the unpaid hearing fee. Do not overload the email with every defect in their late WS. However, it is worth adding one sentence preserving the existing objection to their late WS in case they now try to seek relief from sanctions or pay the fee late.
The key point is that the court helpline has confirmed that the system shows no hearing fee paid by the 19 June deadline, so you are asking the court to confirm that the claim has been struck out in accordance with the Notice of Allocation, or to place the matter before a judge for directions.
Do not get drawn into arguing the whole case again at this stage. The fee default is enough. However, I would add one sentence confirming that you maintain your objection to the Claimant’s late WS and exhibits, in case they now try to rely on them or seek relief.
Include a short costs schedule, either attached as a separate one-page PDF or pasted beneath the email after the signature. Because the allocation order expressly says that, if the Claimant fails to pay the trial fee by 4pm on 19 June 2026, the claim is struck out and, unless the court orders otherwise, the Claimant is liable for the Defendant’s costs, it is sensible to give the court the figure now rather than merely asking for directions.
Keep it modest and credible. Do not include “stress”, “inconvenience”, or speculative items. Include only actual time and disbursements incurred in defending the claim. Use the current LiP rate of £24/hour.
That is enough. If the court replies that the fee was paid late, or that Gladstones are seeking relief, then the late WS objection and the defective PoC points become relevant again.
Suggested structure for costs schedule:
I would keep this short and procedural. The main point is the unpaid hearing fee. Do not overload the email with every defect in their late WS. However, it is worth adding one sentence preserving the existing objection to their late WS in case they now try to seek relief from sanctions or pay the fee late.
The key point is that the court helpline has confirmed that the system shows no hearing fee paid by the 19 June deadline, so you are asking the court to confirm that the claim has been struck out in accordance with the Notice of Allocation, or to place the matter before a judge for directions.
Do not get drawn into arguing the whole case again at this stage. The fee default is enough. However, I would add one sentence confirming that you maintain your objection to the Claimant’s late WS and exhibits, in case they now try to rely on them or seek relief.
Include a short costs schedule, either attached as a separate one-page PDF or pasted beneath the email after the signature. Because the allocation order expressly says that, if the Claimant fails to pay the trial fee by 4pm on 19 June 2026, the claim is struck out and, unless the court orders otherwise, the Claimant is liable for the Defendant’s costs, it is sensible to give the court the figure now rather than merely asking for directions.
Keep it modest and credible. Do not include “stress”, “inconvenience”, or speculative items. Include only actual time and disbursements incurred in defending the claim. Use the current LiP rate of £24/hour.
Quote:Dear Sir/Madam,
Claim No: M8GF4T40
Horizon Parking Limited v Jack Coleman
I am the Defendant.
I write further to the Notice of Allocation, which required the Claimant to pay the hearing fee by 19 June 2026.
I spoke with the County Court Helpline on 22 June 2026 and was advised that the court system showed no hearing fee had been paid by the Claimant.
I respectfully request confirmation that the claim has therefore been struck out pursuant to the Notice of Allocation, or alternatively that the matter be placed before a Judge for appropriate directions.
For completeness, I also maintain my objection to the Claimant’s late witness statement and exhibits, served after the Court-ordered deadline and after I had already served my own witness statement.
Please confirm whether the hearing listed for 17 July 2026 remains listed or has now been vacated.
I attach a short schedule of the costs I have incurred for the Court’s consideration pursuant to paragraph 3 of the Notice of Allocation.
Yours faithfully,
Jack Coleman
That is enough. If the court replies that the fee was paid late, or that Gladstones are seeking relief, then the late WS objection and the defective PoC points become relevant again.
Suggested structure for costs schedule:
Quote:Schedule of Defendant’s Costs
Claim No: M8GF4T40
Horizon Parking Limited v Jack Coleman
Preparation and filing of Defence: [x] hours at £24/hour = £[x]
Directions Questionnaire, mediation preparation and related correspondence: [x] hours at £24/hour = £[x]
Reviewing court orders, Notice of Allocation and procedural requirements: [x] hours at £24/hour = £[x]
Preparation, filing and service of witness statement: [x] hours at £24/hour = £[x]
Reviewing Claimant’s late witness statement and preparing objection: [x] hours at £24/hour = £[x]
Postage/printing/copying, if applicable: £[x]
Total claimed: £[x]
These costs are claimed pursuant to paragraph 3 of the Notice of Allocation dated 6 May 2026, which provides that, unless the Court orders otherwise, the Claimant is liable for the costs incurred by the Defendant where the Claimant fails to pay the trial fee by 4pm on 19 June 2026 and the claim is struck out.
Never argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience. - Mark Twain
