Draft practice direction for possession proceedings published

The Online Procedure Rule Committee has released a draft practice direction to outline the procedural rules for a new digital service handling possession proceedings, marking the first service governed by the Online Procedure Rules. The draft aims to provide early clarity ahead of the service’s anticipated phased rollout beginning in September 2026, allowing stakeholders time to prepare. Developed alongside the Online Procedure Rules 2026, the practice direction details requirements for digital communications, hearings, evidence submission, and court orders, while specifying which cases fall under the initial phase. Cases outside this scope will continue to follow the Civil Procedure Rules until further guidance is issued.

The draft specifies that the digital service will initially cover possession cases in postcode areas served by Bradford, Caernarfon, Huddersfield, and Wandsworth courts, applying to registered social landlords in England and community landlords in Wales. Additional geographical areas and user groups will be included in later phases, with further procedural details for appeals and enforcement to be addressed in due course. The draft practice direction remains subject to final review and may undergo minor amendments before its official publication and implementation. The final version will reflect completed procedural and legislative arrangements.

The draft practice direction clarifies that its publication does not impose legal obligations and should not be treated as the definitive procedural guide. The final version will be issued once all relevant rules and legislative processes are finalized, ensuring alignment with the Online Procedure Rules 2026. Stakeholders are advised to await the finalized version for accurate procedural requirements. The phased rollout is designed to gradually expand the digital service’s coverage while maintaining consistency with existing legal frameworks.

The Online Procedure Rule Committee emphasizes that the draft is intended to facilitate awareness and preparation for the new digital service, which will replace traditional processes for eligible possession cases. The initial focus on specific court centres and landlord groups reflects a targeted approach to implementation, with broader expansion planned in subsequent phases. The draft underscores the transitional nature of the changes, as some procedural aspects remain under review and will be addressed in future updates.