Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 19
19
Deferred
Publish clear and accessible guidance for litigants-in-person explaining claims process and responsibilities.
Conclusion
The Ministry of Justice and Civil Justice Council must publish guidance for litigants-in-person. It needs to explain the claims process, their responsibilities, and the implications of failing to comply with deadlines. This must be written in clear, accessible language and be available in accessible formats. (Recommendation, Paragraph 87) 57 Condition of the court estate
Government response summary AI-generated
The government stated HMCTS is updating Reform systems to provide consistent case reference numbers for users, but did not address the recommendation to publish specific guidance for litigants-in-person.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government · verbatim extract
Deferred
The Online Procedure Rules Committee (OPRC) is taking a new approach to the development of procedure rules to make processes clearer and simpler for lay users and litigants-in-person. The rules underpinning the new digital possession service are being drafted by the OPRC and will offer litigants in person guided online journeys to complete the steps in possession proceedings, as well as paper equivalents for digitally excluded users. In the long term the goal of the judiciary is to move more digital services into the remit of the OPRC and simplify the rules. The Ministry of Justice also provides over £6 million of grant funding to improve access to legal support and advice, including for litigants in person. This includes support to help people navigate the process effectively where court proceedings are needed, as well as the provision of online support across a range of civil, family and tribunal jurisdictions. Finally, there is judicial guidance for litigants-in person available Advice for Litigants in Person – Courts and Tribunals Judiciary. We will work the judiciary on further guidance and consider any role for AI in supporting this programme of work, which will commence in October. Condition of the court estate
Read the full response on Parliament ↗