[2025] EWHC 2307 (KB)

The submissions from counsel for various defendants was that thought had been put into the extent of the representation reasonably required. Those submissions demonstrated the myriad ways in which the representation could be dealt with - particularly by the Non-ALGLO defendants whose role is limited largely to making submissions. Our role is to allow a sum for the phase which is reasonable and proportionate and the parties can allocate that money as they and their clients see fit. It may indeed differ from the approach set out currently in the budget.

The Lead and ALGLO defendants, fees have largely been agreed at or around £2.5 million for this phase. We have not seen or heard anything which causes us to think that this sum is insufficient for PCD as well and so we have allowed £2.5 million. In relation to the Nissan Authorised Dealerships, we accept that there is a need for separate representation and that their position is not the same as for the Non-ALGLO defendants in this respect. We have allowed £200,000 for selected attendance by this defendant.

As far as the Non-ALGLO defendants are concerned, we consider the sums claimed by those who have not accepted the claimants’ offer of £65,000 to be overstated. A figure of £50,000 was allowed for such defendants for each of the PDD trial periods. The Tranche 3 hearing requires more in the way of submissions than the October 2025 hearing and is longer than the Spring 2026 hearing. Nevertheless, they give an indication of the sort of sum which is reasonable and proportionate for Non-ALGLO defendants to incur in respect of their limited role. We have allowed the £65,000 as offered by the claimants as reflective of this approach.