Explanatory note
(This note is not part of the Rules)
These Rules amend the County Court (Forms) Rules 1982 so as to—
substitute new forms of default summons (amount not fixed)(N.2), of defence (N.9, N.9B and N.10 (HP/CCA), notices of preliminary arbitration appointments (N.18 and N.19), committal order (N.79) and warrant of committal (N.80);
provide new notices of small claims arbitration hearings (N.18A and N.19A).
The new form of unliquidated default summons (N.2) includes provision for a plaintiff to indicate the value of his claim.
The new forms N.18, N.18A, N.19 and N.19A complement the changes to the small claims procedure which are introduced by the County Court (Amendment No. 2) Rules 1992 (S.I. 1992/1965).
Forms N.9, N.9B and N.10 are amended to make it clear that cases automatically referred to arbitration may be sent for trial in which case costs are recoverable.
The introduction of the new Forms N.79 and N.80 will be accompanied by guidance notes to assist in the completion of the committal form; the new forms render Form N.111 obsolete and it is accordingly revoked.