
Unlocking the Civil Procedure Rules Changes: What You Need to Know
In the world of UK civil justice, an important legislative update is coming your way. These changes, outlined in the Civil Procedure (Amendment No. 2) Rules 2025, will affect how civil cases are handled in England and Wales. Here's a breakdown of what's happening and why it matters.
The Key Changes
-
Digital Markets and Consumer Protection: The new rules will update the way competition law claims are transferred between divisions of the High Court. This is part of efforts to streamline how the courts handle claims related to the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. This act is designed to tackle competition issues unique to digital markets, giving the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) new powers to intervene more effectively.
-
Electronic Working: The electronic filing system, CE-File, will become a staple in High Court jurisdictions, bringing an end to the current pilot scheme. This means more consistency and efficiency in how cases are filed and managed electronically.
-
Costs Assessment Flexibility: Judges will now have more flexibility in assessing costs, thanks to amendments inspired by recent case law. This change aims to streamline proceedings and reduce unnecessary delays.
-
Judicial Review of Major Infrastructure Projects: Amendments will facilitate quicker judicial reviews for nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs). This comes in response to recommendations aimed at minimizing legal delays for these critical projects.
-
Evidence Filing Clarifications: The rules now clearly state the timeline for defendants to file evidence if they initially contest jurisdiction but then decide to defend the claim. This ensures clarity and fairness in proceedings.
-
Non-party Costs Orders: The amendments clarify how courts should handle costs orders involving parties not directly part of the proceedings. This aims to streamline and simplify costs-related decisions.
-
Appellant’s Notice Timeline: The deadline for serving an appellant’s notice has been extended from seven to 14 days, accommodating both electronic and non-electronic services.
-
Closed Material Procedure: Changes to Part 82 incorporate recommendations from an independent report, which will standardize how closed material procedures are handled, ensuring they are applied consistently across cases.
-
General Updates and Tidying Up: Minor corrections and updates bring the Civil Procedure Rules up to date, reflecting recent legislative changes like those from the Arbitration Act 2025.
Why These Changes Matter
These amendments aim to make the civil justice system more efficient, fair, and responsive to modern challenges. From digital market competition to infrastructure project reviews, the goal is to reduce delays, increase clarity, and ensure that the legal framework keeps pace with technological and societal changes.
What's Next?
The Ministry of Justice has consulted with various stakeholders, including legal professionals and government bodies, to ensure these changes meet the needs of all parties involved. While no significant impact on businesses or the public sector is anticipated, these updates will be closely monitored and reviewed by the Civil Procedure Rule Committee to ensure they deliver the intended benefits.
For those involved in civil litigation, understanding these changes is crucial. They signify a move towards a more streamlined and tech-savvy legal system, reflecting the evolving landscape of law and society in England and Wales.
Related Legislation

New Legislation Eases Data Sharing for Adult Social Care in England and Wales

Simplifying the UK's Criminal Procedure Rules 2025: What You Need to Know
