Forthcoming changes to the Civil Procedure Rules

Lenders are being advised of further changes to the Civil Procedure Rules, which will affect mortgage repossession claims.

From April 6, the Pre-action Protocol on Mortgage Arrears will be amended so that lenders will have to consider not starting a possession claim where the borrower has submitted a claim under the government’s Mortgage Rescue Scheme. The Protocol Checklist will also be updated to include reference to the Mortgage Rescue Scheme.

Optima Legal’s head of repossession service, Chris Taylor, said: “From April 30, CPR changes will also require notice of the possession hearing to be served on the holders of any other registered charges over the property.”