Powered by Lexis+®
Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom
Related legal acts
Key definition
Part 36 definition

What does Part 36 mean? In practice, “Part 36” refers to the formal settlement-offer regime for civil litigation in England and Wales. Set out in cpr Part 36 (a self-contained procedural code interpreted by case law), it governs Part 36 offers—compliant written offers to settle that can be made by claimants or defendants at any time, including pre-action and on appeal. Key features include strict form and service requirements; a “relevant period” (typically 21 days); and acceptance resulting in judgment or a stay on agreed terms. The timing of acceptance, or whether the offer is beaten at trial, triggers prescribed costs and interest...

Read More Right Arrow

CPR Part 36 costs: validity, ‘genuine offer’, late acceptance, interest and ‘unjustness’—illustrative case law and principles (England and Wales)

Practice notes
imgtext

Practice Note: Part 36 offers—when are Part 36 Costs 'unjust'?

This practice note examines when a court may depart from the default Part 36 costs consequences on the footing that such an order would be ‘unjust’, with reference to the factors listed in CPR 36.17(5). Although the focus is on Part 36 as revised from 6 April 2015, earlier authorities on the costs consequences of Part 36—and on when it is unjust to impose them—remain pertinent.

Illustrative decisions showing how the court has exercised its discretion on Part 36 costs, especially as to when those consequences are ‘unjust’, are identified below, covering both pre‑ and post‑6 April 2015 decisions.

Case details and analysis

Key issues considered

  • Biddick v Biddick [2025] EWHC 2743 (Ch) (27 October 2025): the defendants applied under CPR 36.14(8) to compel enforcement of a Part 36 offer, contending that although the claimant had accepted the offer, it had failed to honour its terms...
To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.
Web page updated on 26/05/2026

Popular documents

When evaluating a general damages claim, the practitioner ought initially to refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG)...

Read More Right Arrow

This Practice Note This Practice Note reviews mechanisms used in settling litigation. A Tomlin order consists of a consent order paired with a schedule. It operates to stay proceedings on terms that have been agreed. The provisions contained in the schedule may remain confidential. This Practice Note describes the scope of confidentiality attaching to the schedule and sets out how it differs from a standard consent order. Sample wording for a Tomlin order is included, alongside links to precedents, as well as guidance on court approval. It also addresses varying, setting aside and enforcing a Tomlin order, including the considerations the court will take into account when handling applications for each. Further guidance is provided on interpreting and applying the relevant provisions of the CPR; however, some courts and divisions impose very specific requirements for both drafting and approval, and for approaching the schedule and confidentiality issues. Accordingly, you must consider the particular rules and court guide provisions in the forum where your claim is proceeding when drawing up the Tomlin order...

Read More Right Arrow

Date [ date ] Parties [ name of Landlord ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Landlord) [ name of Tenant ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Tenant) [ [ name of Guarantor ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Guarantor) ] [ [ name of Mortgagee ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Mortgagee) ] Definitions Within this Deed, the terms below shall be interpreted as follows: [ Annual Rent • the annual sum reserved under the Lease; ] [ Insurance Rent • the Tenant’s share of the Landlord’s costs of insuring the Property (as set out in the Lease); ] Lease • the lease of the Property dated [ date ], entered into between (1) [ the Landlord OR [ name ...

Read More Right Arrow

I, [ name ], of [ address ], solemnly and sincerely state that: [ Matters to be verified, set out in numbered paragraphs ] I make this solemn statement in good conscience, believing it to be true, and pursuant to the provisions of the Statutory Declarations Act 1835. DECLARED at [ details ] this [ day ] day of [ month and year ] Before me ................................................................................ [ signature of the person before whom the declaration is made ] A [ commissioner for oaths OR [ solicitor OR [ insert other qualification ] ] authorised to administer oaths ]...

Read More Right Arrow