Possession claims online (PCOL)

Background 

The Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA) and HM Courts Service have introduced a web enabled application to manage claims in county courts for possession of residential property for non-payment of rent or mortgage. The possession claims online (PCOL) project aims to:

• deliver a web-enabled application for possession claims, capable of validating, receiving electronic payments and allocating hearing dates;
  
• extend the range of court services on line for claimants, defendants and advisers;
  
• create two-way electronic channels whereby claimants, defendants, advisers, judiciary and court staff can share claims data from a central database;
  
• provide 24 hour remote access to PCOL for claimants, defendants, and advisers; and
  
• allow parties involved in possession claims to choose their preferred method of communication, so they have the option to be contacted electronically rather than by post.

Further information on PCOL is available on HM Courts Service's website.