Received a court claim form for overstaying in a supermarket carpark

I am not advising you increase your costs application for the sake of it. I am suggesting that you can do so if you want and it will give DCB Legal an even bigger headache. It is not required unless you have actually spent more time on this. Considering I'm doing most of your legwork, maybe you shouldn't. It's up to you.

If you do, judges appreciate when litigants-in-person are proportionate and honest. If you’re claiming £200, it needs to reflect genuine and clearly justifiable time and expenses, especially since you originally claimed £104.50.

Here’s a realistic breakdown that could support a £200 claim without it appearing inflated:

Suggested costs breakdown (reasonable and defensible)

1. Time spent (litigant-in-person rate: £19/hour under CPR 46.5)

• Reviewing the claim and preparing initial response: 1.5 hours = £28.50
• Researching CPR 27.14 and preparing your initial costs application: 1.5 hours = £28.50
• Time spent contacting the court to discover discontinuance: 0.5 hour = £9.50
• Responding to DCB Legal's correspondence (4+ letters/emails): 1.5 hours = £28.50
• Preparing and finalising witness statement and costs schedule: 1.5 hours = £28.50
• Preparing for the hearing, reviewing CPR, drafting order, and documents: 2 hours = £38.00
• Printing, collating, and document prep for court bundle: 0.5 hour = £9.50

Subtotal for time: 9 hours = £171.00

2. Disbursements (direct out-of-pocket expenses)

• Printing and postage: £5.00–£10.00 (reasonable estimate)
• Travel to/from court (if applicable): e.g. £10.00–£15.00
(Can be claimed as mileage at 45p/mile or standard-class public transport)

Total disbursements: £15.00 (adjust as needed)

Total = approx. £186.00 – £200.00

This is a solid and justifiable range for a self-represented person in a case that’s gone through:

• Claim issue,
• Discontinuance (without notice),
• Costs application,
• Ongoing correspondence,
• Hearing preparation.

Stay credible:

[/indent]• Round conservatively (e.g. say 8.5 or 9 hours, not 10 or 11).
• Avoid double-counting tasks.
• Be specific in your witness statement — say what you did and why it was necessary.
• Include receipts if you claim travel, or specify the mileage and rate.[/indent]

Let me know your final figure and I can draft your updated costs schedule and revised witness statement to reflect the £200 claim, but make sure you are not over inflating your request.

Regarding the "without prejudice", I was referring to your correspondence that has been sent to DCB Legal. As your correspondence is not marked "without prejudice" it can be referred to and shown to the judge before any decision is made.

Question though, why are they able to inflate costs without having to justify time and reasonability?

Quote from: DontStandForNonsense on June 26, 2025, 02:48:12 pm

Question though, why are they able to inflate costs without having to justify time and reasonability?

They aren't - the £70 they add on as spurious 'debt collection' fees are routinely thrown out by judges as attempts at double recovery.

And remember, as b789 said, remain credible with your estimates - bearing in mind what bits you've done yourself, and what bits this forum has done for you.

Subject: Re: [Claim Number] – Costs Hearing

Dear Sirs,

I note your latest correspondence and the revised proposal.

As previously stated, my original claim for costs of £104.50 remains. I consider this a modest and proportionate sum, and it is disappointing that your client continues to avoid settling such a straightforward matter.

Please be advised that your repeated low offers and the unnecessary correspondence they have generated have not gone unnoticed. Should this behaviour continue, I reserve the right to amend my costs schedule to reflect the additional time and inconvenience caused.

This remains a final opportunity to resolve the matter without further cost or embarrassment to your client.

Yours faithfully,

[Your Name]

Maybe just leave it as it is but respond to the DCB Legal inadequate counter offer with this instead:

Quote

Subject: Re: [Claim Number] – Costs Hearing

Dear Sirs,

I note your latest correspondence and the revised proposal.

As previously stated, my original claim for costs of £104.50 remains. I consider this a modest and proportionate sum, and it is disappointing that your client continues to avoid settling such a straightforward matter.

Please be advised that your repeated low offers and the unnecessary correspondence they have generated have not gone unnoticed. Should this behaviour continue, I reserve the right to amend my costs schedule to reflect the additional time and inconvenience caused.

This remains a final opportunity to resolve the matter without further cost or embarrassment to your client.

Yours faithfully,

[Your Name]

Maybe just leave it as it is but respond to the DCB Legal inadequate counter offer with this instead:

Quote

Subject: Re: [Claim Number] – Costs Hearing

Dear Sirs,

I note your latest correspondence and the revised proposal.

As previously stated, my original claim for costs of £104.50 remains. I consider this a modest and proportionate sum, and it is disappointing that your client continues to avoid settling such a straightforward matter.

Please be advised that your repeated low offers and the unnecessary correspondence they have generated have not gone unnoticed. Should this behaviour continue, I reserve the right to amend my costs schedule to reflect the additional time and inconvenience caused.

This remains a final opportunity to resolve the matter without further cost or embarrassment to your client.

Yours faithfully,

[Your Name]

Dear Mr Kirby,

I acknowledge your offer of £104.50 in full and final settlement of my costs and confirm my agreement in principle, subject to receipt and clearance of the payment in full.

Once payment has been received, I will notify you accordingly, at which point you may inform the court that the matter is resolved and request that the upcoming costs hearing be vacated.

For the avoidance of doubt, this acceptance is conditional, and I reserve all rights in respect of the conduct of the claim and any associated proceedings.

Bank details are as follows: [Insert Account Name] [Insert Account Number] [Insert Sort Code]

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]

Damn it! Should have gone for the £200. 

Damn it! Should have gone for the £200. 

Shows you how they are desperate hagglers. I suggest you respond with the following:

Quote

Dear Mr Kirby,

I acknowledge your offer of £104.50 in full and final settlement of my costs and confirm my agreement in principle, subject to receipt and clearance of the payment in full.

Once payment has been received, I will notify you accordingly, at which point you may inform the court that the matter is resolved and request that the upcoming costs hearing be vacated.

For the avoidance of doubt, this acceptance is conditional, and I reserve all rights in respect of the conduct of the claim and any associated proceedings.

Bank details are as follows: [Insert Account Name] [Insert Account Number] [Insert Sort Code]

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]

Quote

Damn it! Should have gone for the £200. 

Maybe it's because it's Friday, but I'd consider it £104.50 gained rather than £95.50 lost 

Damn it! Should have gone for the £200. 

Shows you how they are desperate hagglers. I suggest you respond with the following:

Quote

Dear Mr Kirby,

I acknowledge your offer of £104.50 in full and final settlement of my costs and confirm my agreement in principle, subject to receipt and clearance of the payment in full.

Once payment has been received, I will notify you accordingly, at which point you may inform the court that the matter is resolved and request that the upcoming costs hearing be vacated.

For the avoidance of doubt, this acceptance is conditional, and I reserve all rights in respect of the conduct of the claim and any associated proceedings.

Bank details are as follows: [Insert Account Name] [Insert Account Number] [Insert Sort Code]

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]

What is the date of the hearing?