ACTION NEEDED letter from Civil Enforcement

slinky60

I was intrigued by a comment that advised 'Civil Enforcement generally drop out when the court fee becomes payable, especially if they've had sight of a good Defence'.  Apologies if I am asking a silly question, but does this mean that the court fee doesn't become payable until AFTER they've served their Claim on you ?  In other words, is the best thing to do just to wait and see if they issue a claim ?  And is there any value in writing back to CEL saying 'if you issue, this will be my Defence' ?  Would this stop them in their tracks, or would it actually encourage them, in the belief that they've 'caught a live one'.  I'm thinking of all the instances where writing back to one of these letters is discouraged.

Thank you very much.  I have always appreciated the time and trouble that posters go to, and find the posts very helpful.

Redx

2 fees have to be paid before a court claim hearing

At least £35 to the CCBC in Northampton , at the beginning

Plus a court fee to the nominated court a few weeks before the hearing , this is where they tend to drop out

I wouldn't be sending them anything prior to an LBC or court claim. It won't deter them if they are serious

patient_dream

CEL are one of the biggest jokes who loves to scam.   They are after all a BPA member and that is a joke at the best of times

PLAY THE GAME ..... CEL ARE NOT VERY SMART

Coupon-mad

does this mean that the court fee doesn't become payable until AFTER they've served their Claim on you ? 

Nope, as above., there is a £35 claim filing fee.  Then later, a hearing fee of £25 and sometimes they discontinue.  If not, we usually win against their young and clueless legal reps at hearings.

In other words, is the best thing to do just to wait and see if they issue a claim ? 

Absolutely not because a Judge will want to see that you engaged and tried to narrow the issues, and because most cases can be cancelled by complaining to the retailer (if this was a retail car park).  So be all over that like a rash.  Or is it that daft Port Authority place at Wells Next the Sea, where CEL's signs dig massive holes for them?  Always complain to the landowner.

And is there any value in writing back to CEL saying 'if you issue, this will be my Defence' ? 

Yes that looks reasonable later if it goes to a hearing.

Would this stop them in their tracks, 

Nope.