DCB intends to proceed to court - help!

HobnobHero

Hi,

I’m looking for some help. I received a PCN in relation to a parking event on September 2023, followed by the accompanying letters from DCB Legal and, I think, another “firm”.

A claim was submitted against me on the 8th July and I used the forums to respond and submit a defence (it was asking for Amount Claimed: £194.76 + Court Fee £35 + Solicitor Costs £50 coming to £279.76). My defence was “submitted” and “received” on the 11th July 2025. I then received a letter through the post stating my defence had been received and forwarded onto DCB Legal and they had 28 days to respond before the case was “stayed” (I don’t fully get what this means…), this letter was dated 11th July.

I heard nothing until 11th August, outside of the 28 days – nothing has been added to MCOL with the final transaction being “Defence” (correct as of 12th August). I was sent this email from DCB on the 11th:

“Good Afternoon

Having reviewed the content of your defence, we write to inform you that our client intends to proceed with the claim.

In due course, the Court will direct both parties to each file a directions questionnaire. In preparation for that, please find attached a copy of the Claimant's, which we confirm has been filed with the Court.

Without Prejudice to the above, in order to assist the Court in achieving its overriding objective, our client may be prepared to settle this case - in the event you wish to discuss settlement, please call us on 0203 434 0433 within 7 days and make immediate reference to this correspondence.

If you have provided an email address within your Defence, we intend to use it for service of documents (usually in PDF format) hereon in pursuant to PD 6A (4.1)(2)(c). Please advise whether there are any limitations to this (for example, the format in which documents are to be sent and the maximum size of attachments that may be received). Unless you advise otherwise, we will assume not.

 

Kind Regards,

Litigation Support Team

DCB Legal Ltd”

I now have no idea what to do – they missed the deadline and nothing is showing on MCOL – despite them saying things have been filed with the court. I can't attach anything yet but their form states the case "is suitable to be determined without a hearing"

What steps should I take next? I have been using this forum to draft responses and form my defence – but obviously this has not worked. Any advice is welcome.

Thank you in advance,

HobnobHero

Coupon-mad

That's expected. It's in the first 8 steps in the Template Defence thread already. Nothing new.

But please read this message and do the vital,  current Public Consultation:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81552148/#Comment_81552148

It's important that the Government hears from people with unfair charges who are facing horrific, scary court claims.

The link shows the two vital points to concentrate on, IMHO:

- banning 'fee' add-ons completely.

- making sure a new SINGLE appeals service replaces POPLA and the IAS which are seen as not fully independent and involved in a 'race to the bottom'.

Click through to the main thread about the Consultation, Do not be deterred by the fact that some questions are for the parking industry only.

We are currently discussing how to respond. Please join us in doing this Consultation. This is your one chance to make a difference re the proper regulation of private parking.

Car1980

They haven't missed any deadlines. They tell the court they want to proceed, not you (even though they don't and will be discontinuing at the eleventh hour).

Presumably they have included a Directions Questionnaire with their letter?

You will be ticking that you want a hearing on your copy, which overrides their preference for it to be heard on the papers.

HobnobHero

Oh my days, it's Step 2, sorry - I just freaked out a bit yesterday when I got the email. Thanks for your speedy response.

ps I did the consultation last night

HobnobHero

Car1980 said:

They haven't missed any deadlines. They tell the court they want to proceed, not you (even though they don't and will be discontinuing at the eleventh hour).

Presumably they have included a Directions Questionnaire with their letter?

You will be ticking that you want a hearing on your copy, which overrides their preference for it to be heard on the papers.

Yes, they included their questionnaire. I will certainly be ticking the box to have it heard in court. 
Thank you

Gr1pr

but wait for the CNBC to send your paper copy. your MCOL claim history will be updated when it happens

meanwhile, download the blank N180 pdf from the gov website so you are ready ( steps 3 to 6 )

HobnobHero

Hello again,
I have had a "Notice of Dispute Resolution Hearing" for a telephone appointment in January, my issue is that this is a working day and doesn't fall in line with the my dates of availability provided in the previous step. As a teacher I cannot "be available" for the two hours without actually booking the time off.

My initial question (before I try to deal with the WS) is is it worthwhile my asking them to postpone the appointment to a half term holiday when I will be available. I know we aren't mind readers but is there belief they would follow this request or is it just a phone appointment so they'll put it whenever scenario?

I don't want to request a postponement if it's just going to move to another random teaching day, is there any knowledge of this process here? I need to reply within 5 days of receiving the letter, it is dated the 17th December but I of course didn't receive it then, but I'd quite like to reply to them today if I need to.

Thanks in advance

Car1980

Don't worry about it. Only 25% of the calls are answered anyway and we have yet to see any sanctions for anybody not participating.

To rearrange I would just email scmreferrals@justice.gov.uk 

If they do, fine. If they don't just ignore the call, or nip out of the classroom for 10 seconds and simply talk over them and say "My offer to the claimant is zero. Thank you and good bye."

HobnobHero

Car1980 said:

Don't worry about it. Only 25% of the calls are answered anyway and we have yet to see any sanctions for anybody not participating.

To rearrange I would just email scmreferrals@justice.gov.uk 

If they do, fine. If they don't just ignore the call, or nip out of the classroom for 10 seconds and simply talk over them and say "My offer to the claimant is zero. Thank you and good bye."

Thanks, I've already had the mediation call (where their opening offer was greater than the "amount claimed on the claim form) this is one with a County Judge where I need to provide evidence two weeks in advance.

Coupon-mad

HobnobHero said:

Car1980 said:

Don't worry about it. Only 25% of the calls are answered anyway and we have yet to see any sanctions for anybody not participating.

To rearrange I would just email scmreferrals@justice.gov.uk 

If they do, fine. If they don't just ignore the call, or nip out of the classroom for 10 seconds and simply talk over them and say "My offer to the claimant is zero. Thank you and good bye."

Thanks, I've already had the mediation call (where their opening offer was greater than the "amount claimed on the claim form) this is one with a County Judge where I need to provide evidence two weeks in advance.

Yes I agree, you can't ignore this: it isn't Mediation, it's a preliminary hearing and you must attend.

I would email the court and point out this is a day you stated on your N180 that you are unavailable because you are a teacher.

HobnobHero

Thank you, I've emailed them. I'll await a response and then in the new year I'll start compiling my witness statement. I'll get things together and see what I can muster up.
Thanks again