The court’s response suggests they are stretched thin, so even a formal application may face resistance unless you can show that another court can genuinely accommodate the hearing sooner
Moving the claim to a different court location might be a worthwhile option if you can demonstrate that another court has shorter wait times and would be able to accommodate an earlier hearing date. However, such a request would also typically require a formal application and sufficient justification. A formal application will incur an additional fee (unless you qualify for help with fees). Consider whether the benefits outweigh the costs and effort involved. Are you eligible for help with fees?
You'd need to research nearby county courts to determine whether they have shorter listing times for hearings. Contact their court offices to inquire about their current availability for hearings of this type. If another court can hear the case sooner, you'd need to file a formal application (using form N244) to request that the claim be transferred to that court. In the application, you'd need to provide:
• Evidence of the current court’s delay and the severe impact this has on your financial and personal circumstances.
• Evidence that another court can hear the matter sooner.
• Reference to CPR 30.3, which allows for transfer of proceedings if it would better serve the overriding objective of handling cases expeditiously and fairly.
If you proceed with a formal application, include updated evidence of the financial and practical hardships caused by the delay, such as:
• Credit report showing the impact of the CCJ.
• Evidence of housing or employment challenges.
• Correspondence with creditors demonstrating financial difficulties.
You could write to the Designated Civil Judge (DCJ) to highlight the unreasonable delay and its disproportionate impact, requesting their intervention. For Watford, His Honour Judge Stephen Murch, is the senior judge responsible for overseeing court administration. You want to request his intervention in expediting your hearing.
This approach is informal compared to filing a formal application, and while it is not guaranteed to succeed, it could result in a case being prioritised or reviewed, especially in situations of significant hardship or systemic delays. Any letter should be formal, concise, and respectful, focusing on the exceptional circumstances that justify the need for intervention. You'd need to include the following elements:
a. Case Information• Your name and contact information.
• The claim number.
• The court where the hearing is currently listed (e.g., Watford County Court).
• The date of the scheduled hearing.
b. The Delay and Its ImpactHighlight the significant delay (e.g., hearing set for eight months from now) and explain how this adversely impacts you, including:
• Financial hardship (e.g., restricted access to credit, housing, and employment opportunities due to the CCJ).
• Procedural injustice (e.g., improper service of the claim leading to the default judgment).
• Emotional distress and other adverse consequences.
c. Request for InterventionExplain why an expedited hearing is necessary and ask for the judge’s intervention. You may request:
• A review of the case to prioritise an earlier hearing date.
• A directive to reassign the claim to another judge or court that can hear the matter sooner.
d. Emphasise the Overriding ObjectiveReference CPR 1.1, which requires cases to be handled fairly, expeditiously, and proportionately. Argue that an eight-month delay undermines this principle and your right to prompt access to justice.
e. Supporting EvidenceAttach any relevant documentation, such as:
• A copy of the court’s hearing notice showing the scheduled date.
• Evidence of improper service (e.g., proof of your updated address and when it was provided to the claimant).
• Evidence of financial hardship (e.g., credit report, correspondence with creditors or landlords, proof of rejected job applications due to the CCJ).