Civil news: HPCDS guidance updated as courts restart work

We’re making guidance changes because new arrangements are now in place for the resumption of possession work in courts.

The changes affect the operation of Housing Possession Court Duty Schemes (HPCDS). As a result, we are revising the following HPCDS resources:

• provider guidance

• client monitoring form

• reporting spreadsheet

Amendments have also been made to HPCDS contract terms to accommodate these changes.

This includes the removal of the requirement to undertake a proxy means assessment for HPCDS clients.

The revised contract and guidance and forms are now available on GOV.UK. The revised reporting spreadsheet will be available by the end of September.

Why is this happening now?

The stay on all new and existing housing possession proceedings against residential tenants came to an end on 20 September 2020.

A judicial working group appointed by the Master of the Rolls has introduced changes to how possession proceedings will operate in court from the 21 September 2020.

The changes include setting out new case management and listing arrangements to better manage volumes in the system.

You can find out more by visiting the Courts and Tribunals Judiciary website. This has guidance documents on the new arrangements and a statement from the Master of the Rolls – see below.

Further information

Standard Civil Contract (Housing Possession Court Duty Scheme) 2013 – to view amended contract terms

Housing Possession Court Duty Schemes (HPCDS) – revised guidance and forms

Resumption of Possession Cases – statement from the Master of the Rolls with accompanying guidance