About TSol

Most civil proceedings against Central Government (including contract, property, restitution and tort claims) are brought against the authorised government Department specified in the List published by the Minister for the Civil Service under section 17 of the Crown Proceedings Act 1947. This list names the Departments for whom the Treasury Solicitor acts and also those Departments for whom other departmental solicitors act. If the Department is not listed, or if it is not clear which Department should be named, proceedings may be brought against the Attorney General and served on the Treasury Solicitor.

In relation to proceedings in the Administrative Court (such as judicial review claims under Part 54 of the Civil Procedure Rules) the Treasury Solicitor will also accept service on behalf of those Ministers and office holders whose responsibilities match those of the Departments for whom the Treasury Solicitor acts under the list mentioned above.

Litigants and their solicitors are strongly advised to serve on the Treasury Solicitor in such cases as this avoids difficulties including (if relevant) those associated with the need for personal service on the defendant. Similarly, where the responsibilities of the defendant match those of a Department for whom a departmental solicitor would act under the list mentioned above, service should be on that solicitor.

Service of process by e-mail or fax is subject to prior arrangement through Hugh Giles Head of Litigation and Employment Group.

Complaints Procedures
Procedure for handling External Complaints (16kb)

Crown Proceedings Act - List of Authorised Government Departments (399kb)

Freedom of Information
For further information or to obtain publications please contact The Freedom of Information Officer at the above address and telephone number or by email:foi@tsol.gsi.gov.uk

Royal Sign Manual Direction
The application for a Royal Sign Manual Direction should be sent to the address below, please note that the Treasury Solicitor will in every case need a copy of the will and of the grant of probate:

The Treasury Solicitor
Attorney General and General Private Law Team
One Kemble Street
London
WC2B 4TS