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Procedure Rules – Coronavirus Pandemic Related

New Practice Direction 51Z to Stay Possession Proceedings

The Master of the Rolls and the Lord Chancellor have signed Practice Direction 51Z (PD) in relation to housing possession proceedings during the Coronavirus pandemic. It follows the Coronavirus Act 2020 emergency legislation and complements the provisions herein to prevent imminent evictions and delay possession proceedings.

The PD is effective immediately ie from today, 27th March 2020

The main changes effected by this PD are:

  • All proceedings for housing possession brought under CPR Part 55 and all proceedings seeking to enforce an order for possession by a warrant or writ of possession are stayed for a period of 90 days from today, 27th March 2020.
  • Claims for injunctive relief are not subject to the stay set out in paragraph 2 of the PD.
  • The PD ceases to have effect on 30th October 2020.

Further information :Practice Direction 51Z (PD)