Court rules allow a party to litigation to make an offer to settle the claim at any stage of the proceedings. There is no need to pay the money offered into court to show you are good for the amount as was once the case. All that is needed is to make what is known as a 'Part 36' offer, as it is known, in writing to the other side. They may then either accept or reject the amount offered at any time before commencement of the trial. The permission of the court is not required. Unless agreed otherwise the party accepting the offer will be required to pay the other side