On 21 December 2022, HMCTS published summaries of the meetings of the HMCTS Strategic Engagement Group that took place on 25 October and 13 December 2022.
One of the projects involves expanding the digital functionality of the Online Civil Money Claims (OCMC) and Damages Claims Service (DCS) from January 2023, extending the services’ ability to make default judgments, for judges to make directions orders and to make general applications.
For enforcement, bulk and possession claims, work is set to progress in this regard in the next financial year. In particular, the possession project is engaging with ministers and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on possession claims.
HMCTS also released updated plans to transfer a third tranche of work from the County Court Money Claims Centre (CCMC) to the County Court Business Centre (CCBC).
HMCTS has confirmed that the following work will transfer to the CCBC as of 30 January 2023:-
- New Claims Issue: out of jurisdiction claims, amended claims and Welsh claims.
- Help with Fees applications accompanied by a new or amended claim.
From 16 January 2023, court users wishing to issue new claims are advised to send their claims packs and court fees (or Help with Fees applications) to the CCBC: Northampton, County Court Business Centre, St Katherine’s House, Northampton, NN1 2LH, DX: 702885 Northampton 7.
HMCTS has indicated that transfer of a fourth tranche of work is to take place in February, affecting defences and directions questionnaires.
Call 01484 821 500 or email us at info@ramsdens.co.uk to speak to one of our dispute specialists today.