We are experienced in preparing accurate statements of costs for a wide range of purposes, including interim hearings, mediation, security for costs, consequential hearings and following settlement of claims. Our statements of costs present the costs in a way that is clear to the court and opponents, which invariably leads to a greater recovery of costs, occasionally as claimed.
Unless there is good reason not to do so, the court should generally make a summary assessment of costs at the conclusion of a hearing that lasts no more than one day, in which case the order will deal with the costs of the application or matter to which the hearing related. If the hearing is for the purpose of disposing the claim, the order may deal with the costs of the whole claim. In these circumstances, the parties and legal representatives have a duty to assist the judge in making a summary assessment of costs by preparing a statement of costs.
As our clients focus their attention on preparing for a hearing or mediation, we assist them in ensuring that the court has all the information it requires to undertake a summary assessment of costs by preparing an accurate statement of the costs incurred.
We are able to break down statements of costs into budget phases or other milestones. Often, this greater level of information and transparency enhances the prospects of achieving settlement of the costs.
Depending on the purpose of the statement of costs and the amount of costs claimed, the information contained within the statement of costs can be presented in different ways. More often than not, the statement of costs should be prepared in Form N260. However, in some instances, it may not be necessary to provide the level of detail as contained in Form N260. We will always establish the most suitable and cost-effective method of presenting the costs in a clear and concise manner.
Whichever approach is adopted, we have the expertise to present the costs in the way that affords our clients the best possible opportunity of maximising recovery of their costs.
Finally, we are also able to draft statements of costs at late notice and endeavour to provide our clients with the completed statement of costs in good time so that they have sufficient time to review it before it must be filed and served.
To discuss how we can assist you with the preparation of statements of costs, contact us using the details below.
The failure by a party, without reasonable excuse, to file and serve a statement of costs on time will be taken into account by the court in deciding what order to make about the costs of the claim, hearing or application, and about the costs of any further hearing or detailed assessment hearing that may be necessary as a result of that failure.
The failure by the receiving party to file and serve a statement of costs may result in an adjournment or order for detailed assessment. The paying party could then seek its costs of the adjourned hearing if they had spent time preparing for a summary assessment. They may also argue that the receiving party should be liable for the costs of the detailed assessment proceedings.
Where a statement of costs is provided on the day of the hearing, MacDonald v Taree Holdings (2000) AII ER (D) 2204 provides that the court will take the failure into account, but its reaction should be proportionate. If the only factor against awarding costs was merely the failure to serve a statement of costs without aggravating factors, a party should not be deprived of all their costs. However, if aggravating factors did arise then the receiving party may be deprived of all or a proportion of their costs.
CPR Practice Direction 51X provides for a pilot of a new statement of costs for summary assessment. The pilot scheme will operate from 1st April 2019 to 31st March 2021 and apply to all claims in which costs are to be summarily assessed, whenever they were commenced.
There are two new forms. The N260A applies when the costs have been incurred on an interim application, whereas the N260B applies when the costs have been incurred up to trial.
The new statements of costs are detailed electronic spreadsheets with information set out across various tabs, similar to the new electronic bills of costs (Precedent S). The new forms allow costs to be split into costs budget phases, which provides a greater level of transparency and allows the costs claimed to be compared against the costs budget.
The new statements of costs are likely to take longer to prepare given the additional detail they provide. However, utilising our experience in preparing statements of costs, we are able to prepare them expeditiously and with great accuracy.
