A draft practice direction has been published, outlining proposed procedure rules for a new digital service for possession proceedings. This publication aims to support awareness and preparations ahead of the service's anticipated first release in September 2026.
Developed alongside the Online Procedure Rules 2026, the practice direction details procedural requirements for proceedings conducted using the digital service, covering aspects such as communications, hearings, evidence, and court orders.
The new digital service will be rolled out in phases. The initial phase will cover possession cases brought by registered social landlords in England and community landlords in Wales, specifically for properties in postcode areas served by Bradford, Caernarfon, Huddersfield, and Wandsworth court centres. Cases outside this initial scope will continue to follow the Civil Procedure Rules.
Matters such as appeals and enforcement for cases covered by the digital service are not yet included in the Online Procedure Rules or this practice direction, and will be provided for later. Until then, these will be handled under the Civil Procedure Rules.
The content of this draft is subject to final review and approval, with minor amendments possible before the final practice direction is issued and comes into force. This draft does not create legal obligations.