This Practice Note provides guidance on the interpretation and application of the relevant provisions of the CPR. Depending on the court in which your matter is proceeding, you may also need to be mindful of additional provisions—see further below.

This Practice Note concerns simple contractual debt claims and discusses the pre-action steps that should be considered either under the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims (the Debt Protocol) or under the Practice Direction Pre-Action conduct and Protocols (the Practice Direction). In particular, it addresses how to draft the letter of claim and when proceedings can be commenced. It also specifies the information that a defendant should include in their response to the letter of claim.

For further guidance on debt claims, see the following:

1. •

   Practice Note: Starting a contractual debt claim — a practical guide

2. •

   Practice Note: Debt claims

3. •

   Practice Note: Discharging a contractual debt

4. •

   Starting a contractual debt claim—checklist

For more general guidance on:

1. •

   starting claims, see: Starting a claim or counterclaim—overview

2. •

   responding to a claim, see Practice Note: Resolving a dispute—initial considerations