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20 November 2008
Issue: 7346 / Categories: Features , Procedure & practice
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Protective costs orders

Amanda Wadey explains why the Corner House procedure must be followed as much as possible

Protective costs orders (PCOs)

Refs: R (on the application on Compton) v Wiltshire Primary Care Trust [2008] All ER (D) 12 (Jul)

PCOs limit the amount a losing party must pay. They can be distinguished from costs capping orders that limit the amount a party can recover.

PCOs are more often made in judicial review proceedings where claimants with
limited resources pursue claims that may benefit others. There is currently no guidance in the CPR on the principles to be applied in determining whether or not such an order should be made or the procedure that should be followed. However, case law has determined that:
 The issues raised should be of general importance.
 It is in the public interest to resolve the issues raised.
 The applicant has no private interest in the income.
 If the PCO is not made, the proceedings will probably be discontinued
 It is just and fair to make the order.

Facts of the case

Refs:

R (on the

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

DAC Beachcroft—Clare Dewar

DAC Beachcroft—Clare Dewar

DAC Beachcroft strengthens Scottish real estate capabilitywith partner appointment

Womble Bond Dickinson—Brendan Ryan

Womble Bond Dickinson—Brendan Ryan

Womble Bond Dickinson appoints Brendan Ryan as partner in Public Law Projects team

Parklane Plowden Chambers—five appointments

Parklane Plowden Chambers—five appointments

Parklane Plowden Chambers welcomes five new barristers

NEWS
A time-restricted bank tax, a ‘roadmap to fiscal devolution’, extension to parental leave, entrepreneur’s relief and a giveaway on energy bills for households are the headlines in Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey’s 2026 Autumn Budget
A Court of Appeal judge has lamented the ‘very concerning’ state of the law on employee inventor compensation after a chemist’s case took five-and-a-half years to reach court, eventually being listed for a 37-day trial next year
The Law Society has emphasised that responsibility remains human, in a practice note on artificial intelligence (AI)
Respect orders, which enable police, councils, housing associations, transport networks and other authorities to take enforcement action against anti-social behaviour, have come into force across England and Wales
The Land Registry has launched two consultations aimed at making its information more publicly accessible, ‘Restructuring HM Land Registry fees’, and ‘Future of access to HM Land Registry information’
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