You act for the claimant in a fast-track matter. The defendant has filed their defence responding to the issues outlined in the particulars of claim, and, in addition, has raised new matters relevant to the dispute. What document might you prepare and file along with your directions questionnaire?

• A. A reply to the defence
• B. An amended claim form
• C. A witness statement
• D. A skeleton argument

Answer: (A)

When the opponent raises new matters in their defence, you respond by filing a reply to the defence. This document lets the claimant address those new points directly, setting out admissions or denials and adding any necessary clarifications or further facts. It keeps the record clear about what the claimant accepts or disputes and ensures the court has a complete view of the issues, which is why it’s prepared alongside the directions questionnaire in a fast-track matter. An amended claim form would be for changing the claim itself, not for responding to new defence points. A witness statement is evidence for the trial, and a skeleton argument outlines submissions for the hearing; neither is the proper vehicle for replying to new points raised in defence.