I didn't get any email notifications that there was activity on this thread so apologies for the late update. The end of the story was that I negotiated the fee down and paid it. It was never my intention not to pay *anything* (I know I worded the initial post wrong), but I was enquiring into how this process should normally work during disputes.
I can't see the entire thread to comment inline so I'll cover some points;
- the section 68 was issued 2 days after our in person meeting, this was the first time any fees were raised to me
- I know time costs money but people should be upfront about costs, especially when they're bordering on ridiculous