Online Procedure (Core Rules and Pilot Schemes) Rules 2026 consultation – Law Society response

Overview of the consultation

The OPRC sought views on draft rules that will govern online proceedings, starting with possession cases and later likely extending to other jurisdictions such as family and tribunals.

The rules set out core principles for digital dispute resolution, including usability, accessibility, and the overriding objective of promoting access to justice.

The OPRC asked:

• whether the rules were simple and simply expressed
• whether they clearly set out what those involved in online proceedings can expect, and
• whether they are suited to other jurisdictions that will later come within scope of the rules

Our view

In our submission, we emphasised that:

• we support the OPRC’s focus on access to justice by resolving disputes fairly and efficiently using online proceedings, whilst ensuring accessibility and inclusion are protected
• we encourage the committee to take an iterative approach to developing these rules as more proceedings come within scope, to ensure clarity for practitioners and alignment with existing rules across jurisdictions
• the OPRC must continue to engage closely with the legal profession as it contemplates bringing online proceedings in other jurisdictions into the scope of these rules

What this means for solicitors

Once the rules are finalised, they will initially only apply to online possession proceedings.

Solicitors will need to adapt to new digital processes, including the digital possession service being developed to support implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act 2026.

Solicitors will need to comply with these rules, as well as jurisdiction-specific practice directions that will be drafted in due course.

We will keep our members informed of any changes as they arise.

Next steps

The consultation closed on 15 January 2026.

The OPRC will review responses and may amend the draft rules before approving them.

It is anticipated that the draft Online Procedure Rules will be laid in Parliament as a Statutory Instrument in early 2026.

A pilot Practice Direction to govern use of the digital possession service will follow.

For more information see the OPRC’s consultation on the Online Procedure (Core Rules and Pilot Schemes) Rules 2026.