Mandatory online simple procedure to be permanent

The mandatory use of the Civil Online platform for simple procedure claims has been made permanent from 31 March 2022.

Temporary rules were introduced in December 2020, as part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, making it mandatory for agents and party litigants to submit their simple procedure claims directly via the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (“SCTS”) Civil Online platform, or by using the internet interface to the SCTS case management system (for those wishing to submit claims in bulk). This process enables the majority of users to track and interact with their cases online.

A new instrument, the Act of Sederunt (Simple Procedure Amendment) Civil Online 2022, made on 2 March and laid before the Scottish Parliament on 3 March 2022, makes that change permanent and revoke the previous temporary rules which were due to expire.

The rules continue to recognise that not everyone is able to use digital services, and retain the option for claimants to make an application to submit a claim on paper if they are unable to use digital services. An application is put before a sheriff, who will consider it based on the explanation the claimant provides in a brief note to the court.

You can find further information on the SCTS website.