CEL 2026 Defence Query

Van_Girl

Morning all. I received a claim form dated 26th May and have completed the AOS (yesterday), now working on the defence. I've read through all the advice on here and have copied the template defence, adding in the suggested wording for Chan & Akande etc at paragraph 3, since it is the usual CEL POC.

I've also added in Coupon-mad's additional wording from a recent CEL thread, as below. I just have a question over the date given at 3.2.3. I've given them 14 days from my anticipated defence submission, but I'm not sure what this date should actually be based on.

3.2.3. The fact that this serial litigant continues to churn tens of thousands of parking claims out per annum (using the same inadequate POC as struck out by HHJ Murch in Chan) should give rise to sanctions to signal the court's displeasure. If the Claimant fails to seek the Defendant’s consent or the Court’s permission to amend the POC, pursuant to CPR 17, by 4pm on 28th June 2026, the Defendant respectfully asks the allocating judge to strike out the claim without further warning, given that this Claimant has known since 2023 (from the above appeal held against them) that these boilerplate POC are wholly inadequate.

Apologies if I've missed the answer somewhere in the forum, you've all done an amazing job putting the info together!

Le_Kirk

With an issue date of 26/05/26 and having completed the AoS in a timely manner your defence deadline date is 4.00 p.m. on 29/06/26

Van_Girl

Thank you @Le_Kirk . Do you have any guidance on the appropriate date to add into my para 3.2.3? I'd like to get this submitted asap

Much appreciated :)

Coupon-mad

I'd make it 21 days from defence submission because the C doesn't immediately see a defence submitted via MCOL. The CNBC has to serve it.

Van_Girl

Perfect, thank you for responding, very much appreciated!

Van_Girl

Hi All, I submitted by defence on 12th June, which is over 4 weeks ago. I've not heard anything at all and haven't received a DQ to complete. Should I follow this up?

Le_Kirk

What does the status show on your MCOL account?

Van_Girl

The last entry in the claim history is my defence received 12th June.

Is there somewhere else I should be looking? There are no other forms in "available options"

Gr1pr

Nope, just keep checking it twice a week until something is added, then follow the 8 steps in the defence template thread in announcements

Van_Girl

OK, thanks for responding, it's just a bit nerve wracking. I'll keep checking!

Gr1pr

No need for nerves, chill out

Just follow the process, it takes 6 to 12 months from claim form to conclusion or discontinuation

Follow the 8 steps for now, plus check MCOL like you would check your online bank statement

You are in the best place here for advice, just assume that the country's experts are carrying you through the mud