HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has confirmed that from 12 March 2024 professional users on MyHMCTS can create and manage cases in Welsh by selecting the language toggle link (Cymraeg) at the top right corner of any page in MyHMCTS. This feature is only available for managing a case and not when registering or managing an organisation. All static content will be translated into Welsh when users apply the toggle but the feature does not translate any free text entered by the user.

HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has updated form N461, the form used to apply for permission from the Administrative Court permission to proceed with judicial review claims. The update reflects a change to the address of the London Administrative Court.

HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has updated Form PF10—the template for anonymity and prohibition of publication orders for children and protected parties. The revision clarifies that claimants should consider requesting that the court hold approval hearings anonymously.

HM Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS) has updated the guidance on how to appeal a county court, High Court or tribunal decision to the Court of Appeal Civil Division. The guidance removes the previous requirement for three copies of the appellant’s notice form and grounds of appeal to be sent to the Court of Appeal.

HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has published a release note confirming that parties can now upload accelerated first appointment procedure orders directly to the portal for consideration and approval by the judiciary. Once the order is uploaded, court staff will receive an automated email notification. The order will be referred to the appropriate judge to provide directions and determine approval. The order will appear in the ‘draft orders’ tab, with the order type shown as ‘accelerated procedure order’ for approval in the usual way by the judge selecting ‘approve orders’. This function applies to first directions appointments only.

HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has updated Form N180 (small claim track – directions questionnaire) and Form N181 (Directions Questionnaire – fast track, intermediate track or multi-track). Form N180 has been updated regarding whether witnesses wish to speak Welsh or English at court or whether documents produced will be in Welsh or English or both languages. Form N181 has been updated in respect of the option for allocation to the new intermediate track as well as the fast track or multi-track. For cases that are suitable for allocation to the fast track or new intermediate track, reference is made to assignment to a complexity band (band 1 to band 4), whether the complexity band is agreed by the parties and the brief reasons for the proposed complexity band.

HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has updated the ‘full list of fees applicable in the Civil and Family Courts (from 1 May 2023)’ (EX50A) to include fee codes.

HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has updated form COP44A and guidance (COP44B), used to apply for help with Court of Protection fees, to make it clearer about financial information if one is with a partner or completing the form on behalf of a partner. The order of the questions has also changed. A transition period between 12 February 2024 to 29 February 2024 permits old paper or digital applications to be accepted. Applications received by the court from 1 March 2024 will be rejected and a new version of the form will need to be completed. Applications must also be submitted to the court or tribunal within 28 days of an online reference code being generated or for paper applications within 28 days of the application being signed.

HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has updated form PA7A which is used to apply to withdraw a Will or codicil from storage with HMCTS. The changes are that the testator’s date of birth has been added to question 1, a new question about other executors named in the Will has been added (question 6) and an option to return form PA7A by email has been added. A new PA7B form has also been added which is to be used when the consent of other executors is required.

HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has updated the guidance on ‘How to join a Cloud Video Platform (CVP) hearing’ following the release of the new version of CVP.

His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has updated the guidance notes on completing an N161 form. The N161 form is to be used for fast track and multi-track cases and statutory appeals from tribunals and other outside bodies only. This form should not be used for appeals in small claims cases or appeals to the family division of the High Court.

HM Courts & Tribunals Service updated the guide to the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court (IPEC) small claims track on 7 July 2023. It includes a practice note by Judge Hacon at Annex C, which explains that, from 3 July 2023, there is a change in how cases filed in the IPEC small claims track are processed. From that date, all claims filed either on CE File or in person in London (at the Rolls Building) will be transferred to Manchester. They will be case managed by District Judges in the Manchester Civil Justice Centre. It is expected that most such claims which go to trial will have the trial heard either in person in Manchester or, where the parties prefer, by video link with the Manchester court. However, parties will have the right to apply to have a claim transferred from Manchester to any other court centre which hears IPEC SCT cases, including London.