The fact that CitiCards (a trading name of CitiFinancial Europe plc., ultimately owned by Citigroup Inc., New York U.S.A.) have indicated that they are receiving "dozens of such claims and LBA's from around the country" suggests, by virtue of their application here, that they will be making the same request to every Court across the Country (so who's picking on who here?). To allow it on this occassion would set a precedent which may adversely affect the claims of other individuals, countrywide, who are attempting to claim against what is a corporate entity who, I believe, have more than enough resources already in place to defend such claims, something which, individuals generally do not.
As to the issue of costs, it is up to the individual Court to decide costs on a claim per claim basis and this comment assumes that all of the claims are to be heard in Small Claims Courts when this may not be the case, their point here, therefore, is unsubstantiated. Can they provide evidence of other current claims to susbstantiate their comments?
On the other hand, would it be easier to agree to this? They won't be expecting you to agree to their application without some fight. Personally, I think it is just another stalling tactic.
Ooh, don't get me going