Form N149A - Small Claims Track Allocation
The N149A is the court's notice that your case has been proposed for the small claims track. It includes an automatic referral to the free Small Claims Mediation Service, giving you the chance to settle your dispute without a hearing.
N149A - Small Claims Track Allocation
Form Overview
The N149A is the notice of proposed allocation to the small claims track. When you receive this form, it means the court believes your case (under £10,000) should follow the small claims procedure.
Need Help Responding?
Our defended claims guide walks you through the allocation process step by step.
View Defended Claims Guide →What N149A Means For You
Receiving an N149A is not something to worry about. It simply means the court has reviewed your case and believes the small claims track is the right procedure. Here is what that means in practice:
Small Claims Track
Your case is proposed for the small claims track, designed for straightforward disputes valued at under £10,000.
Simpler Procedure
The small claims process is simpler, cheaper, and faster than the other court tracks. Rules of evidence are relaxed and hearings are informal.
Limited Costs Recovery
Very limited legal costs can be recovered on this track, so there is no need to hire a solicitor. You will not be penalised for representing yourself.
Informal Hearing
If your case goes to a hearing, it will be informal. There are no wigs, no legal jargon, and the judge will help both sides present their case fairly.
Free Mediation Referral
One of the most important parts of the N149A is the automatic referral to the Small Claims Mediation Service. This is a free service provided by HMCTS that can help you resolve your dispute without going to court.
Key Facts About Small Claims Mediation
Completely free
One-hour telephone mediation session with a trained HMCTS mediator at no cost to either party.
High success rate
Over 60% of mediated cases settle without needing a hearing, saving time, stress, and money.
No disadvantage to trying
If mediation does not work, your case simply continues to a hearing as normal. Nothing you say in mediation can be used against you.
Both parties must agree
Mediation only takes place if both the claimant and defendant opt in on their N149A forms.
We strongly recommend opting in to mediation
Mediation is quick, free, and settles the majority of cases. Even if the other side refuses, your willingness to mediate reflects well on you if the case goes to a hearing.
How to Respond to N149A
When you receive the N149A, you need to complete it and return it to the court by the deadline printed on the form. Here is what you need to do:
Agree or disagree with small claims track allocation
The court has proposed your case for the small claims track. You can accept this or request a different track.
Opt in or out of mediation (strongly recommended to opt in)
Free mediation is offered automatically. Over 60% of mediated cases settle without needing a hearing.
Provide your preferred court location
State which court is most convenient for you if the case proceeds to a hearing.
Note any dates you are unavailable
List any dates in the coming months when you cannot attend a hearing.
Return the form by the deadline printed on it
Missing the deadline could result in the court making decisions without your input.
What If You Disagree with Allocation?
The N149A is a proposed allocation, not a final decision. If you believe the small claims track is not appropriate for your case, you can ask for a different track.
Note: In most cases, the court's proposed allocation is correct. Requesting a different track means the case may become more expensive and take longer to resolve. Only challenge the allocation if you have genuine reasons why the small claims track would be unfair.
What Happens Next
After you return the N149A, the next steps depend on the allocation decision and whether both parties agree to mediation:
If allocated to small claims track
You will receive an N180 directions questionnaire setting out the timetable for your case, including deadlines for evidence and the hearing date.
Learn about Form N180 →If mediation accepted by both parties
Your case will be referred to the Small Claims Mediation Service. A mediator will contact both parties to arrange a telephone mediation session, usually within 4 to 8 weeks.
Read our mediation guide →If mediation fails or is declined
The case will be listed for a small claims hearing. You will receive notice of the hearing date and directions for preparing your evidence.
Read our defended claims guide →Download Form N149A
You can download the official N149A form from GOV.UK. In most cases, you will receive this form directly from the court, but it is useful to review it in advance so you know what to expect.
Download N149A from GOV.UKInteractive Legal Chatbot
Have questions about the N149A form, mediation, or your small claims case? Ask our legal chatbot for instant guidance.
Free Mediation
- Free telephone mediation
- One hour with trained mediator
- 60%+ settlement rate
- No risk if it fails