CEL 2026 Defence Query

Van_Girl

Hi All, it's now been 10 weeks since I submitted my defence, and I've still not received the N180 or anything else from the court. Nothing has been added to MCOL.

Is it worth me calling MCOL at all (I did try earlier but was number 37 in the queue, so didn't stay on the line).

I only ask as I can see that others are receiving theirs much quicker. I have received the boilerplate witness statement from CEL. It was dated 13th July, but I received it 2 weeks ago.

Gr1pr

Sit on your hands and wait, but do check your MCOL claim history weekly if possible, or just wait

No court is involved yet, just the CNBC in Northampton

Coupon-mad

Is your Defence listed on MCOL History?

Van_Girl

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82105866#Comment_82105866

It is, yes. It's listed as received 12/06/2026

Van_Girl

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82105830#Comment_82105830

Apologies, I meant CNBC :)

Will keep waiting and checking. Thanks for the prompt responses as always

Van_Girl

Just a small update on this. I emailed the CNBC for an update as my defence was submitted 13 weeks ago, and they have come back to me with the following:

Please note that the case is currently stayed, as the claimant did not submit their intention to proceed within the required timeframe.

 

I can see from other threads that the stay could be lifted at any time if CEL decide to apply. Can anyone advise if CEL typically do this?

Le_Kirk

Stayed cases can be dangerous, if you move and don't inform the PPC every time (and why would you)? They could pay to have it unstayed and you might not know and fail to/be unable to defend. The following advice is often posted by @Coupon-mad

I would leave it stayed but send an email now to the court and DCB Legal stating that because a stayed case is 'indefinite' you wish for this email to be placed on file and the following statement must be read by the judge:

The Defendant's address for service cannot reasonably be assumed to be valid forever. Thus, should the Claimants apply for the stay to be lifted they and the CNBC must cc in this email to fairly alert the Defendant, in accordance with the Overriding Objective. Additionally, if this happens after 2025 then - in accordance with the Code of Practice and pursuant to the authority in VCS v Carr [2025] EWCA Civ 713 which criticised VCS for failing to trace the Defendant and their claim was struck out as well as the CCJ set aside - the Claimants must carry out a soft trace to check the Defendant's address before applying to lift the stay. In other words, the Defendant's current address is not current indefinitely.

Van_Girl

Thank you for coming back so quickly. I've been reading other threads and had seen this advice, but very useful to have that particular wording.

I am in the process of selling my house so will definitely be moving, so this is crucial.

Much appreciated

Coupon-mad

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82137527#Comment_82137527

Wow - this is crucial then.

In fact sit on your hands, I'd wait until you move THEN email the CNBC and CEL to tell them both:

• erase the old address which is no longer a valid address for service;
• replace it with the new address, however
• (then adapt my wording which obviously doesn't talk about DCB Legal or 'after 2025' in your case)!

Van_Girl

Thanks Coupon-Mad, I had actually already sent the (amended) wording by the time you replied, but when I eventually move I'll do as above as well. I will keep on top of this