Lord Dyson’s rejection of the Civil Justice Council’s proposals on guideline hourly rates (GHRs) because they were based on too little evidence matters “greatly” to the profession, says David Greene, NLJ consultant editor.

Writing in NLJ this week, Greene says: “GHRs are a foundation stone for the costs regime in litigation; the recovery of costs and for many firms the essence of their commercial survival.”

While they apply largely to fast-track and multi-track litigation outside the RTA portal and other fixed costs regimes, they have “wider significance” because they are likely to “heavily influence” fixed costs, says Greene.

The call for evidence on GHRs elicited only 147 responses. One of the reasons is that the survey required thought and research. Greene hopes that a second attempt with additional support will fare better.