I gave a decorator some money for materials, but the work was never started. He was ordered to pay me £800 when I took him to court under the small claims procedure twelve months ago, but I have never received any money. How long will he be able to flout the law?
Your next step should probably be to ask the court to hold an inquiry into the decorators means. He can be ordered to produce his books and papers at an oral examination at which you can find out if he has any money and if so, where it is. There are a number of other options and you may have to consider sending in the bailiffs but in all these cases, beware of throwing good money after bad.