What does Summary assessment mean? A court’s on-the-spot determination of the amount of costs one party must pay the other at the end of a hearing, instead of applying fixed costs or sending the bill to detailed assessment. In England and Wales, summary assessment of costs is provided for by CPR r 44.6 and PD 44 and is commonly made after interim applications and at the end of fast track trials. The receiving party typically serves a statement of costs (Form N260/N260A). The judge assesses what is reasonable and proportionate on the standard or indemnity basis, taking into account conduct, offers (including Part 36), and...
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This Tracker reviews the Guideline Hourly Rates (GHR). These are the figures the court looks to, on summary assessment, to decide whether a solicitor’s hourly charges are reasonable for civil and commercial work. A series of reviews has taken place and is summarised below.
The Master of the Rolls (MR) confirmed that from 1 January 2026 the GHR will be adjusted for inflation in line with the Services Producer Price Index (SPPI). For further information, see: LNB News 02/01/2026 10—Master of the Rolls updates solicitors’ guideline hourly rates for 2026.
The GHR rose for inflation on 1 January 2025 in accordance with the SPPI. For more detail, see: LNB News 02/01/2025 32—Master of the Rolls announces update to Guideline Hourly Rates.
The GHR were uplifted for inflation on 1 January 2024 in line with the SPPI. The GHR are adjusted annually to reflect inflation. A further working group was to be established to review the methodology underpinning the GHR. For further information on the figures for the...
When evaluating a general damages claim, the practitioner ought initially to refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG)...
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...
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 ...
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 ]...