DMBM665130 - Enforcement action: CCP: general: responsibility for county court work

The majority of this manual will be archived on 30 Apr 2024. If there is content within this manual you use regularly, email hmrcmanualsteam@hmrc.gov.uk to let us know.

Ultimate responsibility for the proper conduct of county court cases rests with the higher debt manager / senior debt manager.

Role of the higher debt manager

The higher debt manager

  • supervises progress of the proceedings to ensure a satisfactory and speedy conclusion and ensures that
  • there is no unnecessary delay in taking proceedings (particularly the entry of judgment in default)
  • prompt and effective action is taken at all stages
  • decides what action is necessary when a defence is entered
  • may choose to take over conduct of difficulty/complex cases and attend court in those cases as necessary
  • attends court where it is the intention to apply for a committal order
  • checks and signs submissions to the Debt Management Support Office
  • makes sure that debt managers attending county court hearings
  • are fully aware of the responsible nature of the work
  • have attended the appropriate training course
  • are competent in their duties and have a full understanding of how they should conduct themselves in court
  • are familiar with the procedures for the courts they deal with
  • understand that they are immediately to report to them (the higher debt manager) in cases of doubt or difficulty.

Top of page

Role of the debt manager

Immediate responsibility for the detailed conduct of county court work rests with the debt manager who should

  • take all proceedings on behalf of the ‘Commissioners for H M Revenue and Customs’ (see DMBM665090)
  • appear in, or attend at, court except where the higher debt manager has taken over a case
  • supervise any work dealt with by a debt management officer.

Role of the debt management officer

A debt management officer may:

  • send documents to the court where an appearance is not necessary
  • deal with clerical work in the preparation or follow up of county court cases.