AMENDMENTS TO THE CPR TO ALLOW A BUFFER: THE TIMETABLE

There has been some discussion about whether, and when, the Civil Procedure Rules will be amended to allow the parties to agree to vary directions.  I am grateful to Katherine van Aardt  of Plxus Law for sending me information which updates the situation.

THE RULES WILL BE CHANGED BUT NOT IMMEDIATELY

• The Rules Committee have agreed to change the rules.
• The amendment still has to be drafted in the form of a Statutory instrument.
• It then has to be approved by the Committee and made by the Minister before being approved by Parliament.
• The Parliamentary recess has started and Parliament does not reconvene until the 28th April.
• It is unlikely that the Statutory Instrument will be made until later April/early May.
• There then has to be a 21 day period between the Statutory Instrument being laid and it coming into force.

SO IT COULD BE JUNE

It looks as if the earliest date is late May, more likely early June.

 The amendment still has been be drafted in the form of a Statutory Instrument, approved by the Committee and made by the Minister before being laid in Parliament.  Unfortunately the Parliamentary recess starts today and Parliament does not reconvene until 28 April it is unlike the Statutory Instrument will be made until late April, early May.  There also has to be a 21 day period between the Statutory Instrument being laid and it coming into force.