HMCTS operational summary for week commencing Monday 17 January 2022

Next week's update will be issued on Friday 21 January 2022.

• Updated: From Monday 17 January 2022, people with COVID-19 in England can end their self-isolation after 5 full days, as long as they test negative on day 5 and day 6.
• Reminder: Since Tuesday 13 December 2021, if you're identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19, you need to follow new guidance. Fully vaccinated contacts of a COVID-19 case should take a daily lateral flow test for 7 days to slow the spread of the virus.
• Reminder: Courts and tribunals in England, Scotland and Wales remain open for face to face hearings and still have COVID-19 safety measures in place. For example, you must wear a mask in our buildings, unless you are exempt. Read our full COVID-19 guidance for more details. You should check your regional guidance in England, Scotland or Wales before attending our courts or tribunals.
• Reminder: We're working hard to keep all our court users safe and it's important that we all follow the guidance in place at our courts and tribunals. If you have any feedback, please use our escalation route for professional court users to raise any concerns – we want to hear from you.
• Reminder: We encourage individuals to take a free, rapid lateral flow COVID-19 test before coming to a court or tribunal. These are free and readily available in your local area, or to order online. Anyone who tests positive should self-isolate and follow the latest NHS advice.
• Reminder: Guidance on how you should prepare for a telephone or video court or tribunal hearing is available via GOV.UK.

Crime

• Reminder: If you have a Common Platform account, you need to login at least once every 90 days to keep it active. If your account is inactive for 90 days, it will be deregistered for security reasons. You will receive an automatic email notifying you before your account is deregistered: login to the system, and your account will remain live.

Family

• Updated: On Wednesday 12 January 2022, MyHMCTS was updated to comply with the Inheritance Tax excepted estates regulations. New guidance for submitting applications is available on GOV.UK.
• Updated: On Wednesday 26 January probate fees will increase. Applications will cost a single, flat rate of £273. Estates valued at less than £5,000 will continue to be exempt from the fee.

Judicial guidance and announcements

• For the latest practice directions, advice, and guidance please visit the Judicial Office website.