Courts issue fewer but larger CCJs

The number of county court judgments (CCJs) issued against individuals fell sharply in 2009.

New figures from the registry trust Limited (RTL) show a 14 per cent drop in consumer CCJ numbers from 2008 – and a 12 per cent drop in the total value of consumer CCJs issued.

However, the sum imposed in the average CCJ was £3,715 last year. This is a rise from £2,681 in 2005.

Director of Atlantic Financial Management Kevin Still said: "The 39 per cent increase in the average debt balance of a CCJ in the last 5 years is quite striking.

It would appear that debt collectors are becoming more selective in the cases that they take legal enforcement action against, possibly because of recent actions taken by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT)."

The registry trust also reported that public interest in CCJs has grown sharply.

Searches of the register rose by 58.5 per cent, with 90 per cent of searches being conducted online.

Mr Still added: "If you are subject to county court action then take debt advice to see if you can satisfy the judgment in the crucial first 28 days or establish a repayment arrangement based upon what you can afford."

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