Form N228 UK: Notice of Admission Explained
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When a defendant admits a claim involving goods held under a hire-purchase or conditional sale agreement, the court sends the claimant a specific response form to deal with the next steps. Form N228 is that document. It gives you, as the claimant, a structured way to either accept what the defendant has offered or push back against it, while also setting out the terms you want the judgment to reflect.
This page walks through what the form does, how it fits into the wider framework of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, and the practical points worth keeping in mind before you sign and return it. If you are unsure about any part of the process, a brief conversation with an experienced legal adviser can help you work out your options based on what you describe.
What this document is
Form N228 is a court document used in civil claims involving regulated hire-purchase or conditional sale agreements. When a defendant files an admission in response to a claim for the return of goods, the court forwards this form to the claimant so they can formally record whether they accept or reject that admission.
The form also allows the claimant to state the judgment terms they are seeking, including the goods they want returned, any unpaid balance owed under the agreement, court fees, and reasonable legal costs. It sits within the framework of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, which gives the court specific powers over regulated credit agreements, including the ability to make return orders, transfer orders, or time orders depending on what is fair in the circumstances.
Because the form feeds directly into the judgment the court will issue, completing it accurately matters. Any mistake in the figures or the description of goods can cause delays or lead to a judgment that does not reflect what you are actually entitled to recover.
How to use this document
- Choose your response to the admission. The form asks you to tick either section A or section B. Section A is for accepting the defendant's admission as it stands, while section B is where you reject it and explain why. Think carefully before choosing, as this shapes how the court handles the next stage of the case. 2. Set out the judgment details at section D. This is the heart of the form. You need to specify exactly what you want the court to order, including the goods to be returned, the unpaid balance under the agreement as set out in your original claim, any court fees you have paid, and your legal costs. Check the figures against your claim form carefully before writing them in. 3. Describe the goods clearly. Make sure the description of the goods to be returned matches the description in the hire-purchase or conditional sale agreement. Vague or inconsistent descriptions can make enforcement harder if the defendant does not comply with the judgment voluntarily. 4. Sign and date the form. Your signature is a statement that the information you have provided is accurate. Do not sign until you have read through every section and are satisfied that everything is correct, including the figures and the details of the goods. 5. Return the form to the court within 14 days. The court expects your response within 14 days of receiving the admission. Missing this deadline can delay the judgment or, in some cases, prevent the court from acting on the admission at all. Keep a copy for your own records before sending it back.
Common questions
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Common questions
Q What is a hire-purchase or conditional sale agreement?
A hire-purchase agreement lets someone use goods while paying in instalments, with ownership passing only once the final payment is made. A conditional sale works similarly, but the buyer agrees to purchase from the outset, with ownership transferring when specified conditions are met. Both are regulated under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 when they fall within its scope, which gives the court particular powers if things go wrong.
Q What happens if I accept the defendant's admission?
Ticking section A tells the court you are happy with what the defendant has admitted. The court can then move to enter judgment on those terms, which usually means an order for the return of the goods and payment of any balance you have claimed. The exact outcome depends on what the defendant admitted and what you have asked for in section D.
Q What if I reject the defendant's admission?
If you tick section B, the case typically proceeds as a disputed claim. This may mean the court lists a hearing, gives directions for further steps, or transfers the case to a different track. You should be ready to explain why the admission is not acceptable, for example because the amount admitted is too low or the defendant has not offered to return all the goods.
Q Can I include legal costs in the judgment?
Yes, the form allows you to claim fixed solicitor's costs and court fees where applicable. The amounts recoverable depend on the rules governing the type of claim and the stage it has reached. If you are unsure what you can include, checking the Civil Procedure Rules or speaking to an experienced legal adviser can help you avoid asking for figures the court will not allow.
Q What powers does the court have under the Consumer Credit Act 1974?
Section 133 of the Act gives the court specific powers in hire-purchase and conditional sale cases, including making a return order for the goods, a transfer order splitting ownership where part of the price has been paid, or a time order giving the debtor more time to pay. The court exercises these powers where it considers it just to do so in the circumstances.
Q What if I miss the 14-day deadline?
If you do not return the form within 14 days, the court may not be able to act on the admission in the way you want. In some cases, you may need to apply to the court for permission to file a late response, which can add cost and delay. It is always better to return the form on time, even if you need to seek guidance on how to complete it.
Q Do I need a solicitor to complete Form N228?
You are not required to use a solicitor. Many claimants complete the form themselves, particularly where the claim is straightforward. That said, if the figures are complex, the goods are high-value, or the defendant has raised issues you are unsure how to handle, it can be worth talking things through with an experienced legal adviser before you submit the form.
If you're dealing with this kind of situation, speak to an experienced legal adviser who can walk you through it — from £89.
Sources
This guide is based on primary UK law and official guidance.
- Guidance · UK GovForm N228 on gov.ukgov.uk
- LegislationConsumer Credit Act 1974legislation.gov.uk
- Guidance · HMCTSCivil Procedure Rulesjustice.gov.uk
Legal helpline
Not sure how to respond to the admission?
Deciding whether to accept or reject a defendant's admission in a hire-purchase claim affects the judgment you end up with. An experienced legal adviser can help you think through your options based on what you describe, so you can complete the form with more confidence.
- Plain-English answers to your specific questions about Form N228
- Practical perspective on whether to accept or reject based on what you describe
- What to watch out for when setting out the judgment details
- Clarity on your next steps before you return the form to court
Legal disclaimer
This article is for general information only. It is a tool to help you find your way — not legal advice, and not a substitute for speaking to a qualified adviser about your situation.