Explanatory note

These Rules amend the County Court (Forms) Rules 1982 so as to reflect in the court forms the changes made by the County Court (Amendment No.2) Rules 1991 (S.I. 1991/1126); those Rules increased the small claims limit and the jurisdiction of district judges as well as devolving to court staff the making of some orders as to time for payment and functions relating to suspension of warrants, variation orders, and attachment of earnings. Many of the forms also reflect the fact that, after 1st July 1991, certain county court judgments will carry interest pursuant to the County Courts (Interest on Judgment Debts) Order 1991 (S.I. 1991/ 1184).

These Rules substitute new forms of summons, judgment, variation and other orders, warrant, judgment summons and garnishee order, and various forms to be used in attachment of earnings proceedings (Rule 2).

Several new forms are introduced including a separate form of admission and statement of means (N.9A), a separate defence and counterclaim (N.9B), and a computer-produced warrant (N.42(c)) (Rule 3).