How to Write a Letter Before Action in the UK
A pre-action letter is required before most court claims and can resolve disputes without litigation. This guide explains what it must include and what happens next.
What is a Letter Before Action?
A Letter Before Action (LBA) is a formal written notice setting out your claim and giving the other party a final opportunity to resolve the matter before court proceedings. The Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) Pre-Action Protocols require this exchange before most civil claims.
What it must include
- —The nature and basis of the claim
- —The amount claimed, including any interest
- —Evidence relied upon
- —A response deadline — 30 days for debt claims, 14 days for most others
- —A statement that court proceedings will follow if not resolved
- —Details of how to pay or respond
When to send it
Send an LBA when informal attempts have failed, you intend to pursue the matter through court, and you want a clear paper trail showing you acted reasonably.
Courts take pre-action compliance seriously. Issuing proceedings without following the relevant protocol can result in cost penalties even if you win. A non-responsive defendant is also in a weaker position before the judge.
After the letter
The other party may pay in full, propose a payment plan, dispute the claim, or ignore it. If not resolved within your deadline, you can issue a court claim.
Small Claims Court
For claims up to £10,000, the Small Claims Track is designed to be used without a solicitor. Issue claims online via Money Claim Online at moneyclaim.service.gov.uk. Court fees are proportionate and modest.
Response deadlines
- —Debt claims: 30 days under the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims
- —Most other civil claims: 14 days
- —Personal injury claims: 21 days for the insurer to acknowledge