Letter Before Action (Letter of Claim for Debt) — 2026 template

Which rules apply: if the creditor is a business (including a sole trader) and the debtor is an individual (including a sole trader), the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims applies and the debtor has 30 days to reply. For business-to-business debts, follow the Practice Direction — Pre-Action Conduct (a reply is expected within a reasonable time, normally 14 days in a straightforward case). The court may impose costs or interest sanctions for non-compliance.

[Creditor name] · [Creditor address] · [Email and phone]

Date: [Date of letter — post on this date or the next day]

To: [Debtor name], [Debtor address]

Your reference: [Account or invoice number]

1. Letter of Claim

We write to you about the money you owe us. We intend to start court proceedings against you if this matter is not resolved.

Amount of the debt: £[Debt amount]. Interest and other charges [are / are not] continuing to accrue: [Interest rate and charges, or "none"].

2. How the Debt Arose

(Written agreement: The debt arises from a written agreement dated [Agreement date] between [Parties]. You may request a copy of the agreement from us.)