Rule 45.13 Unreasonable behaviourF1

(1)

Where, in a claim to which Section VI, Section VII or Section VIII of this Part applies, an order for costs is made in favour of a party whom the court considers has behaved unreasonably, the other party may apply for an order that those costs be reduced by an amount equivalent to 50% of the fixed recoverable costs which would otherwise be payable.

(2)

Where, in a claim to which Section VI, Section VII or Section VIII of this Part applies, an order for costs is made against a party whom the court considers has behaved unreasonably, the other party may apply for an order that those costs be increased by an amount equivalent to 50% of the fixed recoverable costs which would otherwise be payable.

(3)

In this rule—

(a)

unreasonable behaviour is conduct for which there is no reasonable explanation; and

(b)

“fixed recoverable costs which would otherwise be payable” does not include—

(i)

VAT;

(ii)

any additional amounts under rules 36.17 or 36.24; or

(iii)

any disbursements.

Annotations

Textual amendments

F1: Pt. 45 substituted (1.10.2023) by The Civil Procedure (Amendment No. 2) Rules 2023 (S.I. 2023/572), rule 1(1), Sch. 3 (with rule 2)

Notes on Part 45

Textual amendments

F2: Words in Pt. 45 Table of Contents inserted (6.4.2024) by The Civil Procedure (Amendment) Rules 2024 (S.I. 2024/106), rules 1(1), 9(1)(a)
F3: Words in Pt. 45 Table of Contents omitted (6.4.2024) by virtue of The Civil Procedure (Amendment) Rules 2024 (S.I. 2024/106), rules 1(1), 9(1)(b)
F4: Words in Pt. 45 Table of Contents inserted (1.10.2024) by The Civil Procedure (Amendment No. 3) Rules 2024 (S.I. 2024/839), rules 1(1), 11(1)