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Costs Blog


Points of Dispute Deadline Approaching – What Should You Do?
A Bill of Costs has been served and the deadline for Points of Dispute is approaching. This guide explains the risks of missing deadlines and the practical options available to paying parties.
Jun 63 min read


LAA Query Received – How Should Firms Respond?
An LAA query can delay payment and create uncertainty regarding recovery. This guide examines common reasons queries arise and the practical steps firms should consider.
Jun 63 min read


Escape Fee Claim Rejected – What Happens Next?
A rejected escape fee claim can result in delayed payment and reduced recovery. This guide examines common reasons for rejection and the practical options available to Legal Aid firms.
Jun 23 min read


Delayed Legal Aid Payments – Common Causes and Practical Solutions
Delayed Legal Aid payments can place significant pressure on firms and fee earners. This guide examines common causes of delay and practical steps to improve recovery and cashflow.
May 302 min read


Common Reasons Bills Are Reduced at Detailed Assessment
Many Bills of Costs are reduced during detailed assessment proceedings. This guide examines common grounds for reduction and how paying parties seek to reduce costs exposure.
May 302 min read


Why Legal Aid Claims Are Reduced - Common Assessment Mistakes
Many Legal Aid claims are reduced during assessment due to avoidable billing, evidential and procedural issues. This guide examines common causes and practical steps firms can take to improve recovery.
May 303 min read


Bill of Costs Served – What Should Paying Parties Do Next?
Receiving a Bill of Costs can create significant costs exposure. This guide explains the practical steps paying parties should consider and common opportunities to reduce liability.
May 302 min read


CCMS Claim Rejected – What Happens Next?
A rejected CCMS claim can create significant delays and recovery issues. This guide examines common reasons for rejection and the practical options available to Legal Aid firms.
May 303 min read


Prior Authority Not Obtained – Can Legal Aid Fees Still Be Recovered?
Failure to obtain prior authority can create significant recovery problems in Legal Aid matters. This guide examines when fees may still be recoverable and the practical issues firms should consider.
May 303 min read


Guide to Detailed Assessment court fees in 2026, including Part 8 issue fees, assessment hearing fees, default costs certificates and common costs recovery issues.
Detailed assessment proceedings involve multiple court fees, including Part 8 issue fees, assessment fees and application fees. This guide explains the current 2026 court fees and common recovery issues.
May 133 min read


Legal Aid Prior Authority: Why Missing Approval Can Leave Solicitors Unpaid
Failing to obtain prior authority from the Legal Aid Agency can leave solicitors unable to recover substantial final hearing and case preparation costs. This guide explains the risks and common pitfalls.
May 113 min read


Electronic Bills of Costs: Common Problems in Detailed Assessment
Electronic Bills of Costs have become standard in detailed assessment proceedings, but even small errors can lead to disputes, delays and reductions. This guide explains common problems and how they are challenged.
May 113 min read


Guideline Hourly Rates in Detailed Assessment: When Courts Reduce Claimed Costs
Guideline Hourly Rates are frequently challenged during detailed assessment proceedings. This guide explains how courts assess solicitor charging rates, when reductions are made, and how proportionality arguments affect recoverable costs.
May 113 min read


Replies to Points of Dispute: How Receiving Parties Defend a Bill of Costs
A practical guide to Replies to Points of Dispute in detailed assessment proceedings, including strategy, proportionality arguments, and common costs disputes.
May 113 min read


Legal Aid Processing Times Improve in 2026 – What It Means for Billing & Cashflow
The Legal Aid Agency has largely cleared its backlog, with faster processing times now in place. This update explains what it means for billing, cashflow and Legal Aid costs recovery.
Apr 283 min read


Legal Aid Updates 2026: CCMS Restoration, Contingency Work and Billing Risks Explained
Recent Legal Aid updates affect CCMS billing, contingency work and disbursement claims. This guide explains what has changed, the risks for solicitors, and how to protect costs recovery.
Mar 174 min read


Court of Protection Costs: SCCO Introduces Document Upload Centre (DUC) Guidance – April 2026
The SCCO has issued new guidance introducing the Document Upload Centre (DUC) for uploading supporting papers in Court of Protection costs bills. The guidance takes effect from 20 April 2026.
Mar 165 min read


Points of Dispute in Detailed Assessment
Points of Dispute are the formal response served by a paying party to challenge a bill of costs in detailed assessment proceedings. This guide explains CPR Part 47 requirements, time limits and common grounds of dispute.
Mar 125 min read


Detailed Assessment of Costs (CPR Part 47)
Detailed assessment proceedings under CPR Part 47 determine how much litigation costs are recoverable. Learn how Bills of Costs, Points of Dispute, Replies and proportionality arguments affect recovery and exposure.
Mar 104 min read
![Late Acceptance of Part 36 Offers and Fixed Costs: Lessons from Attersley v UK Insurance Ltd [2026] EWCA Civ 217](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f40706_3e7cb6dd2386490188ae4fbceb106559~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_333,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/f40706_3e7cb6dd2386490188ae4fbceb106559~mv2.webp)
![Late Acceptance of Part 36 Offers and Fixed Costs: Lessons from Attersley v UK Insurance Ltd [2026] EWCA Civ 217](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f40706_3e7cb6dd2386490188ae4fbceb106559~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/f40706_3e7cb6dd2386490188ae4fbceb106559~mv2.webp)
Late Acceptance of Part 36 Offers and Fixed Costs: Lessons from Attersley v UK Insurance Ltd [2026] EWCA Civ 217
Court of Appeal guidance in Attersley v UK Insurance Ltd on the costs consequences of late acceptance of Part 36 offers and the interaction with fixed recoverable costs.
Mar 74 min read
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