Free UK template
Letter Before Action Template
Generate a free, pre-filled Letter Before Action PDF for an unpaid UK invoice. The letter cites the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 and calculates statutory interest at 11.75% per year plus fixed compensation.
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 sole trader needs:
- 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 the daily interest figure
- Statutory interest under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998
- Fixed compensation tier (£40, £70, or £100 based on the debt)
- Total now owed and a clear 14-day deadline
- 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.