💷 Court Fees in Debt Claims – From N1 Claims to N244 Applications to N164 Appeals

12d (edited) • GDPR for Credit Card Loans etc

When you’re dealing with debt courts, it’s not just the law you’re you need to pay attention to— it’s the fees and forms at every stage. Here’s the full breakdown, so the process isn’t a mystery.

📌 N1 – Issuing the Claim (Claim Form)

Paid by the claimant (creditor/debt buyer).

Up to £300 → £35
£300–£500 → £50
£500–£1,000 → £70
£1,000–£1,500 → £80
£1,500–£3,000 → £115
£3,000–£5,000 → £205
£5,000–£10,000 → £455
£10,000–£200,000 → 5% of claim (capped at £10,000).

⚠️ Debt buyers love bulk-issuing claims — small fees for them, big default CCJs for you if unchallenged.

📌 N9A / N9B – Responding to the Claim

N9A = Admission (admit debt, offer instalments).
N9B = Defence (dispute debt, force proof).

⚠️ Most CCJs happen by default because defendants don’t return N9A/N9B in time.

📌 N244 – Applications (Your Defence Tool)

Used to:

Set aside a CCJ.
Stay enforcement (stop bailiffs while appeal pending).
Vary an order (change payment terms).

Fees (2025):

£15 → suspend/vary enforcement.
£123 → by consent / without notice.
£313 → on notice with a hearing.

💡 Tip: Tick “decide without a hearing” if possible — saves £190.

📌 N164 – Appeals (Appellant’s Notice)

When judgment is wrong in law.

Fees (2025):

£147 → Appeal to a Circuit Judge (small claims track).
£171 → Appeal to a Circuit Judge (other tracks).
£294 → Appeal to the High Court.

⚠️ Unlike N244, no cheap paper option. The fee is fixed whether permission is considered on the papers or at a hearing.

📌 EX160 – Fee Remission

If you’re on a low income or benefits, you may get your court fees reduced or waived.

Apply using EX160 – Help with Fees.
Based on income/savings.
Always worth checking before you pay.

📌 If Your Appeal Fails

If a Circuit Judge refuses permission on the papers, you can request an oral renewal hearing (normally no extra fee).
If permission is still refused, the only option is a further appeal to the Court of Appeal.
Fee (2025): £294.
This is a brand-new appeal — higher court, higher cost.

⚔️ Takeaway

N1 starts cheap for debt buyers but dangerous for defendants if ignored.
N9A/N9B response is vital to avoid default.
N244 keeps you in the fight, but fees depend on the type of application.
N164 appeals are costly, but they are where errors of law get corrected.
EX160 can ease the burden if money is tight.
If all else fails, the Court of Appeal is still an option — but at a heavier price.

🖊️ My pen is my sword. 🗡

📜 My paper is my shield. 🛡

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