County Court Delays…Better Late Than Never?

Delays in the County Court System and the Impact on Civil Claims

We are increasingly finding that reliance on the County Court system for civil claims is becoming more frustrating than ever. The average time for a small claim to proceed from issue to trial is now approximately 50 weeks, which significantly affects the efficiency and reliability of the process.

For our clients, this often results in:

• Extremely long waiting periods
• Inconsistent communication and service delivery

A growing lack of confidence in whether or how their matter will progress

While HM Courts has recently introduced an online web chat service for civil claims – seemingly a more user-friendly alternative to lengthy phone calls – in practice, this has added to the frustration. The chat operators are not experienced court personnel, which limits the effectiveness of the support they can offer.

Impact on Debt Recovery

In the context of debt recovery, these delays can have serious implications, such as:

• Debtors disposing of assets before enforcement can begin
• Increased difficulty in tracing debtors after lengthy waiting periods

Our Approach: Setting Expectations and Exploring Alternatives

Given these challenges, we are taking a more tailored and strategic approach:

• Assessing each case individually to determine the most appropriate course of action
• Highlighting potential delays early in the process so clients are fully informed
• Suggesting alternative methods, such as mediation, statutory demands, or enforcement through other means where appropriate
• Managing expectations regarding timelines and potential outcomes to help our clients make informed decisions

We understand how important timely and effective resolution is for our clients, particularly when it comes to debt  recovery. As the system continues to evolve, we will continue to monitor developments and adapt our strategies to minimise the impact of these delays.

If you would like advice on any of the issues raised in this article, please get in touch via our contact page or contact Kerry Harris directly here. 

In July 2025, the Justice Committee published a damning report into the state of the civil justice system in England and Wales — and its findings confirm what many creditors, solicitors, and enforcement professionals have suspected for years: the County Court is in crisis. The Committee described the system as “dysfunctional” and unfit for modern demands, with widespread operational failings that are actively undermining access to justice. From chronic delays to court disrepair, the report calls for urgent reform — but in the meantime, the impact on claimants remains immediate and severe.

https://www.courtenforcementservices.co.uk/county-courts-in-crisis-what-the-justice-committees-report-means-for-creditors/