SCCO Change to E-Filing and PBA Accounts
Attention All Firms
SCCO Change to E-Filing and PBA Accounts
As of the 3rd April 2023, PIC will be unable to use our Solicitor Clients’ PBA Numbers to make payments for filings due to the following SCCO Update:
Change to E-Filing.
E-Filing does not currently have any ability to verify that the correct Payment By Account (PBA) number has been entered by the user. This has resulted in a high number of incorrect charges being processed against PBA accounts.
To rectify this, we are making changes to the system. With effect from 03 April 2023 the PBA number entered onto the system will be verified before the payment will be processed. The verification process links each individual PBA number to the correct user domain details held within the E-Filing data base. This change will mean that only users with a matching domain name will be able to make a payment using the firm’s PBA number.
This change will prevent third parties from being able to make filings which require payments and we are aware that this change may impact the way that Senior Courts Costs Office (SCCO) users file in E-Filing. If you are likely to be affected, you will want to consider other options for payment such as the use of card payments or to set up an E-file account. More information about this can be found on this link HMCTS E-Filing service for citizens and professionals – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
If you have any questions about this change please contact the SCCO at scco@Justice.gov.uk
What does this Mean?
PIC will now request payment of any Court Fees upfront and then utilise our own PBA Account to make payment on your behalf. By doing so, it means we will not need to ask you, our busy Clients, to authorise payments or lodge papers in respect of Cost Proceedings for PIC. PIC will be able to continue to provide a full service to you and your Firm.
Should you have any queries, please contact Adrian Hawley.
Otherwise, your PIC point of contact will be in touch.