Court Tracks
Understanding Court Tracks: Allocation of Civil Claims
As of April 2025, civil claims in England and Wales are allocated to one of four procedural tracks: Small Claims Track, Fast Track, Intermediate Track, and Multi-Track. This guide explains each track, focusing on their criteria, scope, and key characteristics.
Small Claims Track
Scope: Claims up to £10,000.
- Designed for straightforward cases.
- Limited cost recovery (court fees, fixed claim costs, witness expenses, limited expert fees).
Exclusions:
- Personal injury claims exceeding £1,500.
- Residential property repairs claims exceeding £1,000.
- Harassment or unlawful eviction claims.
- Claims involving dishonesty.
Fast Track
Scope: Claims between £10,000 and £25,000.
- Trials usually limited to one day.
- Limited expert evidence (one per party, up to two fields).
- Fixed recoverable costs.
Intermediate Track
Scope: Claims between £25,000 and £100,000.
- Intermediate complexity cases.
- Trials up to three days.
- Maximum two experts per party.
- Fixed recoverable costs.
Exclusions:
- Mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases.
- Clinical negligence unless admitted breach and causation.
- Claims involving harm or abuse of vulnerable individuals.
- Intentional or reckless torts by police or breaches under Human Rights Act 1998.
Multi-Track
Scope: Claims exceeding £100,000 or high complexity.
- No trial length or expert limits.
- Detailed judicial management.
- Costs assessed standard or indemnity basis.
Allocation Considerations
The court assesses various factors for track allocation:
- Claim value excluding undisputed amounts, interest, costs, and contributory negligence.
- Complexity of facts, evidence, and legal issues.
- Number of parties and complexity of additional claims.
- Required oral evidence and external significance.
- Parties’ preferences and litigation capabilities.
Contact Carruthers Law
If you require expert advice regarding the appropriate allocation track for your claim, contact Carruthers Law directly on 0151 541 2040 or email us for confidential and professional guidance.