N260 — Statement of Costs for Summary Assessment
Filed by the receiving party at interim hearings and final hearings to enable the judge to conduct a summary assessment of costs there and then, rather than a detailed assessment later.
Who uses this form
The party seeking a costs order at an interim application or at the end of a fast-track trial. Must be filed and served at least 24 hours before the hearing.
When to use it
Prepare and file an N260 for all hearings where you may be entitled to costs — applications, case management conferences, and fast-track trials. Multi-track trials normally proceed to detailed assessment instead.
Where to file
File at court and serve on all other parties no later than 24 hours before the hearing at which costs will be assessed.
Court fee
Free to file.
Common mistakes to avoid
Serving the N260 less than 24 hours before the hearing — the court may refuse to carry out summary assessment
Including disproportionate or unreasonable time entries — the judge will reduce these, often significantly
Not breaking down solicitor time by task category
Forgetting to include disbursements (court fees, expert fees, travel) separately
Using hourly rates above the applicable Guideline Hourly Rates for the relevant city/grade without justification
Related Guides
Related Letter Templates
Official source
Download / view form on GOV.UK or HMCTSAlways download forms directly from official government sources. Third-party copies may be outdated.