I feel very strongly that you should be more careful about the frequent advice you give your readers to use the Small Claims track of the County Court, because the fact of the matter is that this justice system simply does not work. Well, not unless you can afford to throw money at the court to do what should be its work. I went to the small claims part of the County Court in 2008 at a cost of £380 and won a judgement against an individual for £3,550 plus costs over an unpaid car debt, but it has turned out to be a complete waste of time. Claiming hardship, he was ordered to pay a mere £20 a month and after several months, without any explanation, he stopped paying.
From conversations with the court clerk and other injured parties while waiting I understand treating the court with contempt like this is typical. Last July there was an annual hearing to assess his ability to pay but he did not even bother to attend. Surely this must mean he is in breach of a court order and could be told to return to the court to explain his actions. But the court does not do anything.