Who decides which track my claim is on?

The court allocates after both parties file their Directions Questionnaire (form N180). The judge considers the value, complexity, and the parties' preferences. The financial limit is the dominant factor for most claims.

Can I ask for a different track?

Yes — both sides can argue for allocation in the Directions Questionnaire. Common moves: limiting your claim below £10k to stay on small claims (avoids cost-recovery exposure), or asking for fast/multi-track on a borderline case where complexity justifies it.

Why does the track matter so much?

Cost recovery. On the small claims track, you cannot recover solicitor fees from the loser (CPR 27.14). On fast/multi, you can — which means losing parties on multi-track can be ordered to pay £20k+ in opposing solicitor costs on top of the claim. This is what makes track allocation a tactical battle.

Should I voluntarily limit my claim to £10k?

It depends on your appetite for risk. Some claimants accept a £500 reduction to stay on the small claims track because that track has no cost-recovery exposure (CPR 27.14); others prefer the higher recovery potential of the fast track and accept the cost risk. The trade-off is the maximum recoverable amount vs the maximum recoverable cost. Get specific advice on borderline cases.

What if my claim has multiple heads of loss?

You can split a single claim across multiple legally distinct heads (debt + interest + consequential losses) but you cannot artificially split one cause of action across multiple claims. Courts treat that as abuse of process.

Are personal injury claims different?

Yes. Personal injury claims under £1,000 (general damages) usually go to the small claims track. PI between £1,000 and £25,000 to the fast track. PI over £25,000 or complex liability to the multi-track. Special procedural rules apply.

Small, fast, or multi — which track is your claim on?

Small claims, fast track, or multi-track? How the court decides under CPR Part 26, what each means for cost recovery and timeline.

What the court considers

Value is the headline factor but not the only one. A £5,000 claim with conflicting expert evidence and three defendants could be allocated to fast track despite being under the small claims limit.

The court makes the decision using your answers on the N180 directions questionnaire.