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Fixed Recoverable Costs (FRC) are now embedded across fast track and the intermediate track up to £100,000, changing the playbook for a huge swathe of claims. Get the right route (fixed vs hourly), hit CPR 47 timelines, and present clean e-Bills or you leave money on the table. (Justice.gov.uk)
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• As soon as liability/quantum is agreed, circulate an informal bill/schedule to open negotiations before you serve N252.
• Once you serve N252 with your Bill under CPR 47.6, the paying party has 21 days to serve Points of Dispute—then you can move for a Default Costs Certificate if they don’t. (Justice.gov.uk)
Pro tip: Build a distinct “Part 36 consequences” section if relevant; it shortens negotiations and avoids “global” offers that bury uplifts. (See our separate Part 36 guide.)
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• Costs budgeting (Precedent H) under CPR 3.12–3.18 protects recovery downstream. Keep phase narratives aligned to strategy and evidence. (Justice.gov.uk)
• Remember the recoverable cap for completing Precedent H—budget prep must be lean and focused. (Justice.gov.uk)
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• Multi-track Part 7 cases generally require the electronic Bill (Precedent S) per PD 47; know the limited exemptions. (Justice.gov.uk, carterburnett.co.uk)
• Serve the native spreadsheet with supporting vouchers; don’t rely on PDFs alone. (Gibbs Wyatt Stone)
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• Start detailed assessment within 3 months of the order/entitlement (judgment, discontinuance, or Part 36 acceptance). Missing it risks court sanctions. (Justice.gov.uk)
• After N252, PoDs due in 21 days; if none, apply for a Default Costs Certificate under CPR 47.9–47.11. (Justice.gov.uk)
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• From 1 Oct 2023, FRC applies across fast track and the new intermediate track—with Part 45 and PD 45 tables controlling figures and stage-based outcomes. (Justice.gov.uk)
• 2025 case notes continue to show courts enforcing FRC pathways where the regime applies—plan your costs strategy accordingly. (DWF)
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• Some industrial disease, clinical negligence and other categories remain outside or can move outside FRC (or trigger different sections) depending on allocation/complexity. Check Part 45 scope/exemptions and build the record early. (Justice.gov.uk)
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• Company restoration costs are separately recoverable on a per-defendant basis in NIHL. Don’t roll them up—itemise each restored entity and attach proofs. (Typical reference figure: £1,280 incl. counsel, plus reasonable disbursements.) (Courts and Tribunals Judiciary, DAC Beachcroft)
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• Keep a running schedule from day one: surveyor time, inspections, tenant statements, expert photos, interim works checks. Correct Part 45 section and stage can be decisive under FRC; align disbursements with necessity and proportionality. (Justice.gov.uk)
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• Justify Grade A rates and multi-expert input with contemporaneous notes (neonatal/neurology/causation). Tie expert scope to pleadings and costs-benefit to fend off rate/hours cuts at assessment. (Budgeting rules: CPR 3.12–3.18). (ARC Costs)
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• Use the LAA’s current Funding & Costs Assessment and CCMS checklists; note 2025 updates and contingency processes during the LAA cyber incident period. (GOV.UK)
• Practical points: timing and % for POAs, correct fee-earner grade, attach vouchers/letters, and watch recent limit updates. (legalaidlearning.justice.gov.uk, GOV.UK)
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• If the entitlement to costs is agreed but the amount isn’t, issue Part 8 costs-only proceedings under CPR 46.14 to get an order, then commence detailed assessment. There isn’t a hard “3-month” limit on issuing costs-only claims; the 3-month rule is the CPR 47.7 deadline after your right to assessment arises. (Justice.gov.uk)
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A CPR-compliant breakdown of profit costs, disbursements and VAT for detailed assessment under Part 47. (Justice.gov.uk)
21 days after service of N252 (unless extended/agreed). (Justice.gov.uk)
Generally yes for multi-track Part 7 (with limited exceptions): use Precedent S per PD 47. (Justice.gov.uk)
Part 45 and PD 45 tables; ensure you pick the correct track/section/stage. (Justice.gov.uk)
Within 3 months of the order/entitlement (judgment, discontinuance or Part 36 acceptance). (Justice.gov.uk)
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• Bill & e-Bill drafting: phase-true narratives and watertight vouchers (PD 47 compliant). (Justice.gov.uk)
• Budgeting: Precedent H that survives attack and preserves margin. (Justice.gov.uk)
• FRC strategy: correct sections/tables, transitional traps, and arguments for escaping where justified. (Justice.gov.uk)
• Negotiation & hearings: PoDs, Replies, interim/default certificates, and assessments driven to closure. (Justice.gov.uk)
• Specialist niches: NIHL restoration, housing disrepair, med-neg, commercial, and Legal Aid CCMS support aligned to current guidance. (Courts and Tribunals Judiciary, GOV.UK)
CTA: Send us your Bill (or file) and we’ll return a recovery plan within 1 working day. First file free.
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This guide reflects CPR text current on justice.gov.uk (Part 36 and Part 45). Always check the live Rules for updates before publishing or negotiating. (Justice.gov.uk)