How will the 83rd PD Update affect you?

Bill Preparation

As of today, 6 April 2016, amendments to PD47 come into force which will have far reaching effects upon the preparation of an inter-partes bill of costs where budgets have been agreed or approved.

What does the above mean to you? The preparation of a bill of costs has now become an extremely complex and time consuming task with a bill of costs which would normally be 30 pages long now being over 100 pages due to the number of parts required in the bill to reflect the individual phases of the budget. Add to the mix additional parts in the bill for proportionality, changes in VAT, changes in retainers and any change of representation and the required bill evolves into a document of extraordinary size! So, it is more important than ever for a Law Costs Draftsman / Costs Lawyer to be instructed in these types of proceedings and at the budget stage as the bill of costs must now mirror image the agreed / approved budget as any costs falling outside of the budget and without ‘good reason’ will be lost. Instructing a qualified and experienced costs expert with specialist knowledge in this area and from an early stage will result in the maximum costs recovery for you.

Please see here for further information.

Precedent H / Precedent R

Also as of today, 6 April 2016 there have been changes to the Precedent H in particular as to the level of detail required where Experts are utilised. The other most significant change is that where the Party’s budgeted costs do not exceed £25,000 and / or the claim is for no more than £50,000 only the first page of a Budget must be completed. The new form of Budget applies to all matters issued on or after 6 April 2016. The new completed Precedent R – Budget Discussion Report must now accompany the Budget on lodgement with the court.

Please see here for further information.