Small Claims Court

If someone owes you money or you have bought faulty goods and you are unable to settle the matter in any other way, you may decide to issue a claim through the courts. You can issue claims for other reasons, including, bad workmanship, damage to property, road traffic accidents, goods ordered and paid for but not supplied and personal injury.The county court in England and the sheriff court in Scotland deal with these types of claims, referred to as "small claims" or "small claims court".

The system for handling small claims is designed to be quick, cheap and easy to use and you do not need to use a solicitor, although you can do so if you wish. It will usually only apply to claims for £5,000 or less (or £1,000 or less if the claim is for personal injury or housing disrepair), against a person, firm or company in England and Wales, and claims for £3000 or less against a person, firm or company in Scotland.

You should issue a claim through the courts only as a last resort, if you cannot settle the matter otherwise. See our information page on Making Claims for an overview of how to complain about faulty goods or services.

To make a claim through the courts you can use the online procedure or get further information at:

• HM Courts Service (for England and Wales) or
• Scottish Courts (for Scotland).

More information

• Making Claims - general guidance on how to complain about faulty goods or services