Letter Before Action (LBA) for an Unpaid Invoice
A formal letter before action that complies with the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims — the required step before you can take an unpaid invoice to the small claims court.
When to use this
This is the pre-legal stage. Send a letter before action once every earlier reminder has failed and you’re prepared to issue a court claim. It must comply with the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims, and sending one properly is required before you go to Money Claim Online.
Sample excerpt
This letter is sent in accordance with the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims. The total amount owed is £1,882.40, comprising the invoice sum of £1,800, fixed compensation of £70, and statutory interest of £12.40. If payment is not received within 30 days of this letter, I intend to issue a claim in the County Court without further notice.
Why it works
If you want to understand the law, the required contents, and the timeline in depth, read our full letter before action guide. This page is for when you already know you need one and simply want to generate it: NudgeBadger produces a Protocol-compliant letter with the debt, interest, and compensation itemised, in seconds.
Related guides
NudgeBadger provides tools, templates, and general guidance only. We are not solicitors, and nothing on this page — including this letter template — is legal advice. It's written to help you understand the process, not to tell you what to do in your specific situation. If your case is complex, high-value, or already disputed, speak to a qualified solicitor before relying on anything here.
NudgeBadger builds this letter around your invoice details in under a minute — professional, legally-aware, and free to try.