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Friday 9 January 2026
A weekly round-up of the latest news and information about courts and tribunals
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We're changing how we send you updates
Throughout January 2026, we will be moving to a new email provider for our communications, including the weekly HMCTS Update newsletter. Some subscribers will have to take action to continue receiving communications from us.
We will be in touch in the coming weeks about any steps you need to take to continue receiving our updates. If no action is required, we will still contact you to confirm you will continue to receive updates as normal.
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People facing debt, housing repossession or family law disputes will have access to free legal support following a funding announcement by the Deputy Prime Minister on Tuesday 23 December 2026.
The grant, worth nearly £20 million, will run from October 2026 to March 2029. The funding is intended to help people facing debt, employment, housing and family issues access advice services and forms part of the Government's Plan for Change.
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The guideline hourly rates used for summary assessment of court costs have been updated.
The new rates, which apply from 1 January 2026, are listed by pay band and grade for different parts of the country and can be viewed on GOV.UK.
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Our short December highlights video covers the Government's response to the Independent Review of the Criminal Courts, colleagues delivering urgent technical support during a murder trial, bailiffs supporting the public and increased funding for criminal legal aid solicitors.
You can watch the video on our YouTube channel.
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Our monthly management information for November 2024 to November 2025 is now available to read.
It includes workload volumes and timeliness at a national level for our civil and family courts, and tribunals.
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If you’re looking for a new way to give back, consider becoming a magistrate. Magistrates are everyday people who volunteer their time to hear cases in criminal and family courts, supported by training and legal advisers.
No legal background needed, just fairness, integrity and a willingness to learn.
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Oxford Magistrates' Court has temporarily closed for improvement works, including roof replacement, with the court expected to reopen in July 2026.
During the closure, cases will be heard at Oxford Combined Court and magistrates' courts in High Wycombe, Milton Keynes and Reading.
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A conditional order or decree nisi for proceedings started before April 2022 is the first of two stages in obtaining a divorce or dissolving a civil partnership. It can sometimes be confusing to navigate the process.
Our short video explains how the process works, how long it takes and what forms you need.
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