HMCTS operational summary for week commencing Monday 14 February 2022

Next week’s update will be issued on Friday 18 February 2022.

• Reminder: On Thursday 27 January 2022 England returned to Plan A COVID-19 restrictions. Face coverings are still required in our buildings unless you are exempt, and other safety measures will remain in place. See further advice on precautions you can take to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
• Reminder: People with COVID-19 in England and Wales can end their self-isolation after 5 full days, as long as they test negative on day 5 and day 6. In Scotland people with COVID-19 can end their self-isolation early from day 6 onwards providing they record two negative tests taken 24 hours apart.
• Reminder: Courts and tribunals in England, Scotland and Wales remain open for face to face hearings and still have COVID-19 safety measures in place. For example, you must wear a face covering in our buildings, unless you are exempt. Read our full COVID-19 guidance for more details. You should check your regional guidance in England, Scotland or Wales before attending our courts or tribunals.
• Reminder: We encourage individuals to take a free, rapid lateral flow COVID-19 test before coming to a court or tribunal. These are free and readily available in your local area, or to order online. Anyone who tests positive should self-isolate and follow the latest NHS advice.
• Reminder: Guidance on how you should prepare for a telephone or video court or tribunal hearing is available via GOV.UK.

Crime

• Reminder: If you have a Common Platform account, you need to login at least once every 90 days to keep it active. If your account is inactive for 90 days, it will be deregistered for security reasons. You will receive an automatic email notifying you before your account is deregistered: login to the system, and your account will remain live.

Civil

• Updated: From Monday 14 February 2022, professional users filing to the Court of Appeal must use our E-Filing service. The electronic service removes the need for paperwork and prevents delays. It can also be used by litigants in person. The digital service enables users to pay fees online and keep up to date on progress via automatic email alerts. Our recent training event on using E-Filing is now available to watch.
• Reminder: A new feature has been added to the civil damages claims service digital system on MyHMCTS. Legal representatives can now issue multi-party claims covering one claimant versus two defendants or two claimants versus one defendant. Legal representatives can also use the service to issue claims and receive defences from other legal representatives. Sign up to MyHMCTS now.

Family

• Updated: We’re aware some users are experiencing issues with our “Find a Will” service. We’re working to resolve this with our supplier and are sorry for any inconvenience cause. You may need to re-register or reset your password to access your account. Follow our advice on Twitter.

Judicial guidance and announcements

• For the latest practice directions, advice, and guidance please visit the Judicial Office website.