Free UK template
Letter Before Action Template
Generate the right pre-filled debt letter for an unpaid UK invoice. Business debts get statutory interest at 11.75% per year plus fixed compensation. Private debts get a 30-day protocol letter with the required forms and can include contractual interest only when you confirm the rate was agreed before the work.
What goes into a Letter Before Action
A Letter Before Action is the formal written demand UK courts expect creditors to send before issuing a county court claim. The template generated here includes every element a tradesperson needs for the selected debtor:
- Your business and contact details, and the debtor's name and address
- The original invoice reference, amount, issue date, and due date
- Days overdue and any supported interest calculation
- Statutory interest and fixed compensation for business debts
- Optional agreed contractual interest for private debts, with its stated basis
- A 14-day organisation demand or 30-day individual response window
- The official protocol Information Sheet, Reply Form and Standard Financial Statement when required
- Reference to Money Claim Online (MCOL) as the next step
When to send a Letter Before Action
Most tradespeople send one between 21 and 30 days after the invoice was due, after a polite reminder and a firm reminder have already been ignored. Sending it earlier risks souring the relationship; sending it later weakens your position if you go to court.
What to do if you still are not paid
Issue a claim through the Money Claim Online (MCOL) service. The court fee starts at £35 for claims up to £300 and scales up with the debt. The fee can be added to the amount the debtor owes you.
This template is informational and does not constitute legal advice. For disputed, complex, or high-value debts, have a solicitor review the letter before sending.