Computers cannot & should not replace the experience of practitioners & the judiciary, says Francis Kendall
Following various pilots since 2015, there has been minimal, arguably no, uptake of the concept of electronic bills of costs at the Senior Courts Costs Office (SCCO). However, the Civil Procedure Rule Committee has now proposed that electronic bills will become compulsory in the SCCO and the county courts from 6 April 2018.
“ My overriding concern is that the moves inspired by Jackson LJ to deal with costs in litigation seem to impact those practising in costs more than the litigation itself”
The proposal remains subject to ministerial and parliamentary approval but that seems likely to be given, although the implementation date could change depending on when these are received. The changes to the CPR will most likely be included in the next scheduled update, allowing for voluntary use from October.
One has to recognise the hard work undertaken by the Hutton committee in supporting the concept and proving it to be workable,
