Limitation Act 1980

• (2) Section 2 of this Act shall not apply to an action to which this section applies.

• (3) An action to which this section applies shall not be brought after the expiration of the period applicable in accordance with subsection (4) below.

• (4) That period is either—

• (a) six years from the date on which the cause of action accrued; or

• (b) three years from the starting date as defined by subsection (5) below, if that period expires later than the period mentioned in paragraph (a) above.

• (5) For the purposes of this section, the starting date for reckoning the period of limitation under subsection (4)(b) above is the earliest date on which the plaintiff or any person in whom the cause of action was vested before him first had both the knowledge required for bringing an action for damages in respect of the relevant damage and a right to bring such an action.

• (6) In subsection (5) above “the knowledge required for bringing an action for damages in respect of the relevant damage” means knowledge both—

• (a) of the material facts about the damage in respect of which damages are claimed; and

• (b) of the other facts relevant to the current action mentioned in subsection (8) below.

• (7) For the purposes of subsection (6)(a) above, the material facts about the damage are such facts about the damage as would lead a reasonable person who had suffered such damage to consider it sufficiently serious to justify his instituting proceedings for damages against a defendant who did not dispute liability and was able to satisfy a judgment.

• (8) The other facts referred to in subsection (6)(b) above are—

• (a) that the damage was attributable in whole or in part to the act or omission which is alleged to constitute negligence; and

• (b) the identity of the defendant; and

• (c) if it is alleged that the act or omission was that of a person other than the defendant, the identity of that person and the additional facts supporting the bringing of an action against the defendant.

• (9) Knowledge that any acts or omissions did or did not, as a matter of law, involve negligence is irrelevant for the purposes of subsection (5) above.

• (10) For the purposes of this section a person’s knowledge includes knowledge which he might reasonably have been expected to acquire—

• (a) from facts observable or ascertainable by him; or

• (b) from facts ascertainable by him with the help of appropriate expert advice which it is reasonable for him to seek;

but a person shall not be taken by virtue of this subsection to have knowledge of a fact ascertainable only with the help of expert advice so long as he has taken all reasonable steps to obtain (and, where appropriate, to act on) that advice.

14B

• (1) An action for damages for negligence, other than one to which section 11 of this Act applies, shall not be brought after the expiration of fifteen years from the date (or, if more than one, from the last of the dates) on which there occurred any act or omission—

• (a) which is alleged to constitute negligence; and

• (b) to which the damage in respect of which damages are claimed is alleged to be attributable (in whole or in part).

• (2) This section bars the right of action in a case to which subsection (1) above applies notwithstanding that—

• (a) the cause of action has not yet accrued; or

• (b) where section 14A of this Act applies to the action, the date which is for the purposes of that section the starting date for reckoning the period mentioned in subsection (4)(b) of that section has not yet occurred;

before the end of the period of limitation prescribed by this section.

Commonhold

19A

An action in respect of a right or duty of a kind referred to in section 37(1) of the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002 (enforcement) shall not be brought after the expiration of six years from the date on which the cause of action accrued.

27A

• (1) None of the time limits given in the preceding provisions of this Act applies to any proceedings under Chapter 2 of Part 5 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (civil recovery of proceeds of unlawful conduct).

• (2) Proceedings under that Chapter for a recovery order in respect of any recoverable property shall not be brought after the expiration of the period of 20 years from the date on which the relevant person's cause of action accrued.

• (3) Proceedings under that Chapter are brought when—

• (a) a claim form is issued, or

• (aa) an application is made for a property freezing order, or

• (b) an application is made for an interim receiving order,

whichever is the earliest.

• (4) The relevant person's cause of action accrues in respect of any recoverable property—

• (a) in the case of proceedings for a recovery order in respect of property obtained through unlawful conduct, when the property is so obtained,

• (b) in the case of proceedings for a recovery order in respect of any other recoverable property, when the property obtained through unlawful conduct which it represents is so obtained.

• (4A) Subsection (4) is subject to section 13(5) of the Criminal Finances Act 2017 (which provides that, in the case of property obtained through unlawful conduct relating to a gross human rights abuse or violation, proceedings cannot be brought after the end of the period of 20 years from the date on which the conduct constituting the commission of the abuse or violation occurs).

• (5) If—

• (a) a person would (but for the preceding provisions of this Act) have a cause of action in respect of the conversion of a chattel, and

• (b) proceedings are started under that Chapter for a recovery order in respect of the chattel,

section 3(2) of this Act does not prevent his asserting on an application under section 281 of that Act that the property belongs to him, or the court making a declaration in his favour under that section.

• (6) If the court makes such a declaration, his title to the chattel is to be treated as not having been extinguished by section 3(2) of this Act.

• (7) Expressions used in this section and Part 5 of that Act have the same meaning in this section as in that Part.

• (8) In this section “ relevant person ” means—

• (a) the National Crime Agency,

• (b) the Director of Public Prosecutions,

• (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• (d) the Director of the Serious Fraud Office.

• (e) Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, or

• (f) the Financial Conduct Authority.

27B

• (1) None of the time limits given in the preceding provisions of this Act applies to any proceedings under Chapter 2 of Part 5 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (External Requests and Orders) Order 2005 (civil proceedings for the realisation of property to give effect to an external order).

• (2) Proceedings under that Chapter for a recovery order in respect of any recoverable property shall not be brought after the expiration of the period of 20 years from the date on which the relevant person's cause of action accrued.

• (3) Proceedings under that Chapter are brought when—

• (a) a claim form is issued, or

• (b) an application is made for a property freezing order, or

• (c) an application is made for an interim receiving order,

whichever is earliest.

• (3A) If, before an event mentioned in subsection (3) occurs, an application is made for a prohibition order under Part 4A of the Order, the proceedings under Chapter 2 of Part 5 of the Order are to be treated as having been brought when that application is made.

• (4) The relevant person's cause of action accrues in respect of any recoverable property—

• (a) in the case of proceedings for a recovery order in respect of property obtained, or believed to have been obtained, as a result of or in connection with criminal conduct, when the property is so obtained,

• (b) in the case of proceedings for a recovery order in respect of any other recoverable property, when the property obtained, or believed to have been obtained, as a result of or in connection with criminal conduct which it represents is so obtained.

• (5) If—

• (a) a person would (but for the preceding provisions of this Act) have a cause of action in respect of the conversion of a chattel, and

• (b) proceedings are started under that Chapter for a recovery order in respect of the chattel,

• (c) section 3(2) of this Act does not prevent his asserting on an application under article 192 of that Order that the property belongs to him, or the court making a declaration in his favour under that article.

• (6) If the court makes such a declaration, his title to the chattel is to be treated as not having been extinguished by section 3(2) of this Act.

• (7) In this section—

• (a) “ criminal conduct ” is to be construed in accordance with section 447(8) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, and

• (b) expressions used in this section which are also used in Part 5 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (External Requests and Orders) Order 2005 have the same meaning in this section as in that Part.

• (8) In this section “ relevant person ” means—

• (a) the National Crime Agency,

• (b) the Director of Public Prosecutions,

• (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• (d) the Director of the Serious Fraud Office.

28A

• (1) Subject to subsection (2) below, if in the case of any action for which a period of limitation is prescribed by section 14A of this Act—

• (a) the period applicable in accordance with subsection (4) of that section is the period mentioned in paragraph (b) of that subsection;

• (b) on the date which is for the purposes of that section the starting date for reckoning that period the person by reference to whose knowledge that date fell to be determined under subsection (5) of that section was under a disability; and

• (c) section 28 of this Act does not apply to the action;

the action may be brought at any time before the expiration of three years from the date when he ceased to be under a disability or died (whichever first occurred) notwithstanding that the period mentioned above has expired.

• (2) An action may not be brought by virtue of subsection (1) above after the end of the period of limitation prescribed by section 14B of this Act.

Discretionary exclusion of time limit for actions for defamation or malicious falsehood

32A

• (1) If it appears to the court that it would be equitable to allow an action to proceed having regard to the degree to which—

• (a) the operation of section 4A of this Act prejudices the plaintiff or any person whom he represents, and

• (b) any decision of the court under this subsection would prejudice the defendant or any person whom he represents,

the court may direct that that section shall not apply to the action or shall not apply to any specified cause of action to which the action relates.

• (2) In acting under this section the court shall have regard to all the circumstances of the case and in particular to—

• (a) the length of, and the reasons for, the delay on the part of the plaintiff;

• (b) where the reason or one of the reasons for the delay was that all or any of the facts relevant to the cause of action did not become known to the plaintiff until after the end of the period mentioned in section 4A—

• (i) the date on which any such facts did become known to him, and

• (ii) the extent to which he acted promptly and reasonably once he knew whether or not the facts in question might be capable of giving rise to an action; and

• (c) the extent to which, having regard to the delay, relevant evidence is likely—

• (i) to be unavailable, or

• (ii) to be less cogent than if the action had been brought within the period mentioned in section 4A.

• (3) In the case of an action for slander of title, slander of goods or other malicious falsehood brought by a personal representative—

• (a) the references in subsection (2) above to the plaintiff shall be construed as including the deceased person to whom the cause of action accrued and any previous personal representative of that person; and

• (b) nothing in section 28(3) of this Act shall be construed as affecting the court’s discretion under this section.

• (4) In this section “ the court ” means the court in which the action has been brought.

Editorial notes

[^c1857338]: S. 32(1)(c) excluded (22.7.2004 with effect as mentioned in s. 320(1) of the amending act) by Finance Act 2004 (c. 12), s. 320 S. 32(1)(c) excluded (19.7.2007) by Finance Act 2007 (c. 11), s. 107

[^c1857341]: S. 35(5)(a) modified (22.7.2004 with effect as mentioned in s. 320(2) of the ammended act) by Finance Act 2004 (c. 12), s. 320

[^c1857937]: S. 4(5)(b) substituted (15.1.2007) by Fraud Act 2006 (c. 35), ss. 14(1), 15(1), Sch. 1 para. 18 (with Sch. 2 para. 8); S.I. 2006/3200, art. 2

[^c1857941]: Words in s. 38(2) substituted (1.10.2007) by Mental Capacity Act 2005 (c. 9), ss. 67(1), 68(1), Sch. 6 para. 25(a) (with ss. 27-29, 62); S.I. 2007/1897, art. 2(1)

[^c1857984]: S. 38(3)(4) repealed (1.10.2007) by The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (c. 9), ss. 67(1)(2), 68(1), Sch. 6 para. 25(b), Sch. 7 (with ss. 27-29, 62); S.I. 2007/1897, art. 2(1)

[^c1858003]: Act: 2004 c. 12, s. 320 to be construed as one with this Act (22.7.2004) by virtue of The Finance Act 2004 (c. 12), s. 320

[^c1880267]: Act: for the words "Supreme Court Act 1981" wherever they occur there is substituted (prosp.) the words "Senior Courts Act 1981" by virtue of Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), ss. 59, 148(1), Sch. 11 para. 1(2) [Editorial Note: this amendment will be carried through into the text of the Act at the same time as any other effects on the Act for the year in which the relevant commencement order (or first such order) is made]

[^c1893539]: S. 17(b) and word repealed (13.10.2003) by Land Registration Act 2002 (c. 9), ss. 135, 136(2), Sch. 13 (with s. 129, Sch. 12 para. 1); by S.I. 2003/1725, art. 2

[^c1893893]: S. 27A inserted (24.2.2003) by Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (c. 29), ss. 288(1), 458(1); S.I. 2003/120, art. 2(1), Sch. (subject to arts. 3-7) (as amended by S.I. 2003/333, art. 14)

[^c1893896]: S. 27B inserted (1.1.2006) by The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (External Requests and Orders) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/3181), art. 201(1)

[^c1893899]: S. 27A(3)(aa) inserted (1.1.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 109, 178, Sch. 6 para. 2(a); S.I. 2005/3136, art. 3

[^c1893905]: Word in s. 27A(3) substituted (1.1.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 109, 178, Sch. 6 para. 2(b); S.I. 2005/3136, art. 3

[^c1950038]: Words in s. 27A(2) substituted (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 74(2), 94, Sch. 8 para. 147(2); S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a) (subject to arts. 3-14)

[^c1950040]: Words in s. 27A(4) substituted (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 74(2), 94, Sch. 8 para. 147(3); S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a) (subject to arts. 3-14)

[^c1950042]: S. 27A(8) inserted (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 74(2), 94, Sch. 8 para. 147(4); S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a) (subject to arts. 3-14)

[^c2002173]: Words in s. 27B(2)(4) substituted (1.4.2008) by The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (External Requests and Orders) (Amendment) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/302), art. 1(1), 4(2)

[^c2002179]: S. 27(B)(8) inserted (1.4.2008) by The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (External Requests and Orders) (Amendment) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/302), arts. 1(1), 4(3)

[^c808949]: Act extended by Water Act 1981 (c. 12, SIF 130), s. 6(4)

[^c808950]: Act amended (1.5.1994) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 73(9)(c); S.I. 1994/1096, art.2(1) Act amended (31.1.1997) by 1996 c. 23, s. 14(1) (with s. 81(2)); S.I. 1996/3146, art. 3

[^c808951]: Act modified (E.W.) (1.12.1991) by Water Industry Act 1991 (c. 56, SIF 130), ss. 209(4), 223(2) (with ss. 82(3), 186(1), 222(1), Sch. 14 para. 6) Act applied with modifications by Water Resources Act 1991 (c. 57, SIF 130), s. 208(4) (with ss. 16(6), 179, 222(3), 224(1), 225(4), Sch. 22 para. 1, Sch. 23 para. 6) Act modified (27.4.1997) by 1925 c. 21, s. 83(12) (as substituted (27.4.1997) by 1997 c. 2, s. 2 (with s. 5(5)))

[^c808952]: Act wholly in force at 1. 5. 1981 see s. 41 (2)(3)

[^c808953]: Act applied (31.1.1997) by 1996 c. 23, s. 13 (with s. 81(2)); S.I. 1996/3146, art. 3 Act modified (13.10.2003) by Land Registration Act 2002 (c. 9), ss. 103, 134, 136(2), Sch. 8 para. 8, Sch. 12 para. 19(1) (with s. 129); S.I. 2003/1725, art. 2

[^c808956]: S. 4A (which was inserted by 1985 c. 61, ss. 57(2), 69(5), Sch. 9 para. 14) substituted (4.9.1996) by 1996 c. 31, ss. 5(2)(6), 19 (with s. 20(2))

[^c808957]: S. 5 extended (11.11.1999 with effect as mentioned in s. 10(2)(3) of the amending Act) by 1999 c. 31, ss. 7(3), 10(2)(3)

[^c808958]: 1882 c. 61(13)

[^c808959]: S. 8 extended (11.11.1999 with effect as mentioned in s. 10(2)(3) of the amending Act) by 1999 c. 31, ss. 7(3), 10(2)(3)

[^c808960]: 1978 c. 47(122:3)

[^c808962]: S. 11(1A) inserted (16.6.1997) by 1997 c. 40, s.6; S.I. 1997/1498, art.2

[^c808963]: 1934 c. 41(122:3)

[^c808964]: S. 11A inserted (1.3.1988) by Consumer Protection Act 1987 (c. 43, SIF 109:1), ss. 6(6), 50(2), Sch. 1 para. 1

[^c808965]: 1987 c. 43(109:1)

[^c808966]: 1934 c. 41(122:3)

[^c808967]: 1987 c. 43(109:1)

[^c808968]: 1976 c. 30(122:3)

[^c808970]: Words inserted (1.3.1988) by Consumer Protection Act 1987 (c. 43, SIF 109:1), ss. 6(6), 50(2), Sch. 1 para. 3

[^c808971]: S. 14(1A) inserted (1.3.1988) by Consumer Protection Act 1987 (c. 43, SIF 109:1), ss. 6(6), 50(2), Sch. 1 para. 3

[^c808972]: Ss. 14A, 14B inserted with saving by Latent Damage Act 1986 (c. 37, SIF 79), ss. 1, 4(1)(2)

[^c808973]: S. 15 restricted (31.10.1994) by 1994 c. 21, ss. 10(2)(a)(4), 68(2)(a); S.I. 1994/2553, art. 2 S. 15 excluded (13.10.2003) by Land Registration Act 2002 (c. 9), ss. 96(1), 136(2) (with s. 129); S.I. 2003/1725, art. 2

[^c808974]: S. 16 excluded (13.10.2003) by Land Registration Act 2002 (c. 9), ss. 96(2), 136(2) (with s. 129); S.I. 2003/1725, art. 2

[^c808977]: S. 17 restricted (31.10.1994) by 1994 c. 21, ss. 10(2)(a)(4), 68(2)(a); S.I. 1994/2553, art. 2 S. 17 excluded (13.10.2003) by Land Registration Act 2002 (c. 9), ss. 96(3), 136(2) (with s. 129); S.I. 2003/1725 {art. 2}

[^c808981]: Words in s. 18(1)(3)(4) repealed (1.1.1997) by 1996 c. 47, s. 25(2), Sch. 4 (with ss. 24(2), 25(4)(5)); S.I. 1996/2974, art.2

[^c808982]: 1925 c. 18(98:3)

[^c808987]: S. 19A and cross-heading inserted (27.9.2004) by 2002 c. 15, ss. 68, 181(1), Sch. 5 para. 4; S.I. 2004/1832, art. 2

[^c808988]: S. 19A and cross heading inserted (27.9.2004) by 2002 c. 15, ss. 68, 181(1), Sch. 5 para. 4; S.I. 2004/1832, art. 2

[^c808989]: S. 25 repealed (provinces of Canterbury and York) (1.1.1989) by Patronage (Benefices) Measure 1986 (No. 3, SIF 21:4), ss. 1(2), 4(3), 42(2)

[^c808990]: 1925 c. 21(98:2)

[^c808998]: S. 28 excluded by Latent Damage Act 1986 (c. 37, SIF 79), ss. 3(3), 4

[^c808999]: S. 28(1) extended with modification by Merchant Shipping (Liner Conferences) Act 1982 (c. 37, SIF 111), s. 8(2)(a)

[^c809000]: S. 28(4A) (which was inserted by 1985 c. 61, ss. 57(3), 69(5), Sch. 9 para. 14) substituted (4.9.1996) by 1996 c. 31, ss. 5(3)(6), 19 (with s. 20(2))

[^c809001]: S. 28(7) inserted (1.3.1988) by Consumer Protection Act 1987 (c. 43, SIF 109:1), ss. 6(6), 50(2), Sch. 1 para. 4

[^c809002]: 1987 c. 43(109:1)

[^c809003]: S. 28A inserted with saving by Latent Damage Act 1986 (c. 37, SIF 79), ss. 2(1), 4(1)(2)

[^c809004]: S. 32(1) extended by Merchant Shipping (Liner Conferences) Act 1982 (c. 37, SIF 111), s. 8(2)(b)

[^c809005]: Words “subsections (3) and (4A)” substituted (1.3.1988) for words “subsection (3)” by Consumer Protection Act 1987 (c. 43, SIF 109:1), ss. 6(6), 50(2), Sch. 1 para. 5(a)

[^c809007]: S. 32(4A) inserted (1.3.1988) by Consumer Protection Act 1987 (c. 43, SIF 109:1), ss. 6(6), 50(2), Sch. 1 para. 5(b)

[^c809008]: S. 32(5) added with saving by Latent Damage Act 1986 (c. 37, SIF 79), ss. 2(2), 4(1)(2)

[^c809010]: Cross heading and s. 32A (which were inserted by 1985 c. 61, ss. 57(4), 69(5), Sch. 9 para. 14) substituted (4.9.1996) by 1996 c. 31, ss. 5(4)(6), 19(2) (with s. 20(2))

[^c809012]: S. 32A (which was inserted by 1985 c. 61, ss. 57(4), 69(5), Sch. 9 para. 14) substituted (4.9.1996) by 1996 c. 31, ss. 5(4)(6), 19(2) (with s. 20(2))

[^c809014]: S. 33(1A) inserted (1.3.1988) by Consumer Protection Act 1987 (c. 43, SIF 109:1), ss. 6(6), 50(2), Sch. 1 para. 6(b)

[^c809015]: 1987 c. 43(109:1)

[^c809017]: 1976 c. 30(122:3)

[^c809018]: 1961 c. 27(9)

[^c809019]: Words inserted (1.3.1988) by Consumer Protection Act 1987 (c. 43, SIF 109:1), ss. 6(6), 50(2), Sch. 1 para. 6(d)

[^c809021]: 1976 c. 30(122:3)

[^c809028]: S. 34 repealed (31.1.1997) by 1996 c. 23, s. 107(2), Sch. 4; S.I. 1996/3146, art. 3

[^c809029]: S. 35 extended by Merchant Shipping (Liner Conferences) Act 1982 (c. 37, SIF 111), s. 8(2)(c) and Foreign Limitation Periods Act 1984 (c. 16, SIF 79), ss. 1, 2, 7(3)

[^c809030]: S. 35(9) repealed by Supreme Court Act 1981 (c. 54, SIF 37), s. 152(4), Sch. 7

[^c809033]: S. 36(1)(aa) (which was inserted by 1985 c. 61, ss. 57(5), 69(5), Sch. 9 para. 14) substituted (4.9.1996) by 1996 c. 31, ss. 5(5)(6), 19 (with s. 20(2))

[^c809034]: 1939 c. 21

[^c809035]: 1979 c. 2(40:1)

[^c809036]: 1936 c. 43(98:5)

[^c809037]: 1863 c. 49(29:10)

[^c809038]: 1947 c. 44(39A)

[^c809058]: Words in the definition of "land" repealed (1.1.1997) by 1996 c. 47, s. 25(2), Sch. 4 (with ss. 24(2), 25(4)(5)); S.I. 1996/2974, art. 2

[^c809059]: 1925 c. 18(98:3)

[^c809060]: 1925 c. 19(98:4)

[^c809061]: Definition of "trust for sale" repealed (1.1.1997) by 1996 c. 47, s. 25(2), Sch. 4 (with ss. 24(2), 25(4)(5)); S.I. 1996/2974, art. 2

[^c809069]: 1978 c. 30(115:1)

[^c809070]: The text of s. 40(3) is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991

[^c809071]: Power of appointment conferred by s. 41(3) fully exercised: 1.5.1981 appointed by S.I. 1981/588, art. 2

[^c809072]: 1939 c. 21

[^c809073]: 1980 c. 24(79)

[^c809074]: 1963 c. 47

[^c809075]: Words in Sch. 1 para. 9 substituted (1.1.1997) by 1996 c. 47, s. 25(1), Sch. 3 para. 18 (with ss. 24(2),25(4)(5)); S.I. 1996/2974, art. 2

[^c809076]: Words in Sch. 1 para. 9 repealed (1.1.1997) by 1996 c. 47, s. 25(1), Sch. 4 (with ss. 24(2), 25(4)(5)); S.I. 1996/2974, art.2

[^c809079]: 1963 c. 47

[^c809080]: 1978 c. 47(122:3)

[^c809081]: 1945 c. 16(79)

[^c809082]: 1975 c. 54

[^c809083]: 1976 c. 30(112:3)

[^c809084]: 1846 c. 93

[^c809085]: 1976 c. 30(122:3)

[^c809086]: 1846 c. 93

[^c809087]: 1939 c. 21

[^c809088]: 1980 c. 24(79)

[^c809089]: 1968 c. 59(111)

[^c809092]: Sch. 3 para. 1 repealed (27.4.1997) by 1997 c. 2, ss. 4(2), 5(2)(3), Sch. 2 Pt. II

[^c809093]: 1925 c. 23(116:1)

[^c809094]: 1939 c. 21

[^c809095]: The text of Sch. 3 paras. 1, 3–12, Sch. 4 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

[^c809096]: 1945 c. 16.

[^c809097]: The text of Sch. 3 paras. 1, 3–12, Sch. 4 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

[^c809098]: 1954 c. 58.

[^c809099]: The text of Sch. 3 paras. 1, 3–12, Sch. 4 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

[^c809100]: 1961 c. 27.

[^c809101]: The text of Sch. 3 paras. 1, 3–12, Sch. 4 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

[^c809102]: 1965 c. 37.

[^c809103]: The text of Sch. 3 paras. 1, 3–12, Sch. 4 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

[^c809104]: 1967 c. 22.

[^c809105]: The text of Sch. 3 paras. 1, 3–12, Sch. 4 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

[^c809106]: 1969 c. 10.

[^c809107]: The text of Sch. 3 paras. 1, 3–12, Sch. 4 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

[^c809108]: 1969 c. 59.

[^c809109]: The text of Sch. 3 paras. 1, 3–12, Sch. 4 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

[^c809110]: 1971 c. 22.

[^c809111]: The text of Sch. 3 paras. 1, 3–12, Sch. 4 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

[^c809112]: 1972 c. 21.

[^c809113]: The text of Sch. 3 paras. 1, 3–12, Sch. 4 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

[^c809114]: 1974 c. 40.

[^c809115]: The text of Sch. 3 paras. 1, 3–12, Sch. 4 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

[^key-00ba1fb39d1a65ed88d5890adbdbed56]: S. 33B and preceding cross-heading inserted (9.7.2015) by The Alternative Dispute Resolution for Consumer Disputes (Amendment) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/1392), regs. 1(2), 4(3) (with reg. 1(3))

[^key-03d054d3cf16d0f6b0dbe99e9548ee79]: S. 27B(8)(c) omitted (27.3.2014) by virtue of The Public Bodies (Merger of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Director of Revenue and Customs Prosecutions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/834), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 6

[^key-03fbc8ccec1c16ba203fb8e0399be80b]: Act applied (1.10.2015) by Consumer Rights Act 2015 (c. 15), ss. 46(8), 100(5); S.I. 2015/1630, art. 3(a) (with art. 6(1))

[^key-0832799d82d880e2c62cb64bce162a80]: Act applied (with modifications) by S.I. 2008/1277, s. 27K(5) (as inserted (1.10.2014) by The Consumer Protection (Amendment) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/870), regs. 1(3), 3)

[^key-0a321d7bcbc1d865b30886776343b8c8]: S. 27D inserted (18.11.2023) by Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (c. 41), s. 63(2)(b), Sch. 13 para. 13 (with s. 61)

[^key-0b5bdc3ec8332256f11492ac6a1397bc]: Words in s. 38(1) inserted (with effect in accordance with s. 108(4) of the amending Act) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5), ss. 108(2), 150(1)(c)

[^key-0c87fb2dd292212f350a4b18f774c27a]: S. 33B(1)(a) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Alternative Dispute Resolution for Consumer Disputes (Extension of Time Limits for Legal Proceedings) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1139), regs. 1(2), 3(2)(a) (with reg. 7)

[^key-11366d54dc3b479ab97b5ee96abc1705]: S. 35 applied by Competition Act 1998 (c. 41), Sch. 8A para. 26(1) (as inserted (9.3.2017) by S.I. 2017/385, reg. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 4 (with Sch. 1 para. 5))

[^key-11b25854977e74bae02b2c341542119b]: Words in s. 27A(2) substituted (25.1.2010) by Policing and Crime Act 2009 (c. 26), ss. 62, 116(1); S.I. 2009/3096, art. 3(h)

[^key-13256c1a4552084d6e0eae0ce734994b]: Words in s. 33(4) substituted (21.4.2021) by Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018 (c. 18), s. 21, Sch. para. 16(4); S.I. 2021/396, reg. 3(c)(d)

[^key-13336087a97e3f67d50931749477ffd2]: S. 33A and preceding cross-heading inserted (with application in accordance with regs. 3, 4 of the amending S.I.) by Cross-Border Mediation (EU Directive) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1133), regs. 2, 26

[^key-1af1acd906def788bb1756a147655ecd]: Words in s. 27B(2) substituted (25.1.2010) by Policing and Crime Act 2009 (c. 26), ss. 62, 116(1); S.I. 2009/3096, art. 3(h)

[^key-1b15967837da0e038aaf7c45b1c82c3c]: S. 27A(4A) inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), s. 58(5)(6), Sch. 5 para. 2(2); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 5(1)(a)

[^key-1cbeb63f7d8b404127d56d6c4a169267]: Words in s. 14(1) substituted (21.4.2021) by Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018 (c. 18), s. 21, Sch. para. 13(3); S.I. 2021/396, reg. 3(c)(d)

[^key-1e8d1b18e6cba05f41ad2338b913a7bf]: S. 10B inserted (28.6.2022) by Building Safety Act 2022 (c. 30), ss. 150, 170(3)

[^key-2282f7f29ccc4c294c4353ef9f0095d1]: Words in s. 19 substituted (6.4.2014) by Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 (c. 15), s. 148, Sch. 14 para. 36 (with s. 89); S.I. 2014/768, art. 2(1)(b)

[^key-234c8cc49a543139e4742c677af74afd]: S. 27A(8)(c) omitted (27.3.2014) by virtue of The Public Bodies (Merger of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Director of Revenue and Customs Prosecutions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/834), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 4

[^key-2f62384dbc1c92666157097ed1c38bdd]: Words in s. 33(3)(b) inserted (21.4.2021) by Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018 (c. 18), s. 21, Sch. para. 16(5); S.I. 2021/396, reg. 3(c)(d)

[^key-3761f90bdb84fa34c50d542ab4429bb6]: Words in s. 12(3) inserted (9.7.2015) by The Alternative Dispute Resolution for Consumer Disputes (Amendment) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/1392), regs. 1(2), 4(2) (with reg. 1(3))

[^key-3a99fd041cd95e38ff29dc238c8dac62]: S. 32(4B) inserted (21.4.2021) by Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018 (c. 18), s. 21, Sch. para. 15(3); S.I. 2021/396, reg. 3(c)(d)

[^key-4051e80501d225faf2f31d26f52d2bb8]: S. 33B(1)(f) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Alternative Dispute Resolution for Consumer Disputes (Extension of Time Limits for Legal Proceedings) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1139), regs. 1(2), 3(2)(e) (with reg. 7)

[^key-4172c99f8b91037865adc30aca3d3f90]: S. 10A inserted (21.4.2021) by Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018 (c. 18), s. 21, Sch. para. 9; S.I. 2021/396, reg. 3(c)(d)

[^key-4af1ec90ebf9eaa92f2ed54ca1548282]: S. 33B(1)(da) inserted (31.12.2020) by The Alternative Dispute Resolution for Consumer Disputes (Extension of Time Limits for Legal Proceedings) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1139), regs. 1(2), 3(2)(d) (with reg. 7)

[^key-4ca6d96d5e2097252d8de608ec356ad3]: Words in s. 14 heading substituted (21.4.2021) by Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018 (c. 18), s. 21, Sch. para. 13(2); S.I. 2021/396, reg. 3(c)(d)

[^key-52b660a56d6171a75b5ea79ec9a8f62e]: Act applied (with modifications) by 1998 c. 41, s. 47E(2)(a) (as inserted (1.10.2015) by Consumer Rights Act 2015 (c. 15), s. 100(5), Sch. 8 para. 8(1) (with Sch. para. 8(2)); S.I. 2015/1630, art. 3(j))

[^key-539b04d181b77c9bb1effdab30b13a1c]: Word in s. 38(11)(b) omitted (2.12.2025) by virtue of Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Act 2025 (c. 28), ss. 105(7)(b), 109(2)(a)

[^key-54a412d71ebb2d5bddf035d3515d94cb]: S. 27B(8)(a) substituted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 28(2); S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)

[^key-5a9850d2fe6c96b53e8d42acb4fbc6f8]: S. 33(7) substituted (30.6.2021) by Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Act 2021 (c. 23), s. 14(2), Sch. 2 para. 1(6); S.I. 2021/678, reg. 2

[^key-627676f363ed32ff6ef68b537a148be6]: S. 33B(1)(g)-(i) inserted (31.12.2020) by The Alternative Dispute Resolution for Consumer Disputes (Extension of Time Limits for Legal Proceedings) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1139), regs. 1(2), 3(2)(f) (with reg. 7)

[^key-6793453ab8d86a43415477074a1b8355]: Act modified (1.10.2010) by The Building Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/2214), regs. 1, 32(3) (with reg. 9)

[^key-69b8db914c7e9a72ade04f658caf8bb4]: Word in s. 12(3) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Cross-Border Mediation (EU Directive) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/469), reg. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 7(3) (with reg. 5) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1493, regs. 1(1), 4(5)(6)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

[^key-6ed7e0e8b3b000937f79d0395cd2c255]: Words in s. 38(11)(a) inserted (2.12.2025) by Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Act 2025 (c. 28), ss. 105(7)(a), 109(2)(a)

[^key-709ca64a4ba71f072e3c22ca3c11267f]: Words in s. 33(2) substituted (21.4.2021) by Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018 (c. 18), s. 21, Sch. para. 16(4); S.I. 2021/396, reg. 3(c)(d)

[^key-75827f46c93eadc75932cf6d1a0eb085]: S. 38(11) inserted (with effect in accordance with s. 108(4) of the amending Act) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5), ss. 108(3), 150(1)(c)

[^key-7caa01bec2f6b97b23f472967f6c9b49]: S. 33B(1)(c) omitted (9.1.2016) by virtue of The Alternative Dispute Resolution for Consumer Disputes (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/1972), regs. 1, 3(2)

[^key-7e0c6eb2ff0036cbbfbef59c59ae9015]: S. 27AB(6)(c) omitted (27.3.2014) by virtue of The Public Bodies (Merger of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Director of Revenue and Customs Prosecutions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/834), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 5

[^key-7eecedf3ad8b6905d1dd05a59428718e]: Words in s. 33(8) substituted (21.4.2021) by Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018 (c. 18), s. 21, Sch. para. 16(6); S.I. 2021/396, reg. 3(c)(d)

[^key-7f3c1d4c2267be2079a06f3f80e9c6a0]: S. 11B inserted (21.4.2021) by Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018 (c. 18), s. 21, Sch. para. 11; S.I. 2021/396, reg. 3(c)(d)

[^key-82f733a8e0a128875af2b4fd9d56bd87]: Word in s. 28(6) inserted (21.4.2021) by Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018 (c. 18), s. 21, Sch. para. 14; S.I. 2021/396, reg. 3(c)(d)

[^key-84e9b419aeb556849812f61d68f62d09]: S. 5A inserted (4.5.2017) by Enterprise Act 2016 (c. 12), ss. 30, 44(3) (with s. 44(3))

[^key-8bb7592c01d11cc1fc6d5b44b7690464]: S. 35 applied (9.6.2018) by The Trade Secrets (Enforcement, etc.) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/597), regs. 1(1), 9(a) (with reg. 19)

[^key-97b9e0ab782157ebb7092d71d7c71a19]: Act modified (30.9.2022) by Environment Act 2021 (c. 30), ss. 125(5), 147(3) (with s. 144, Sch. 19); S.I. 2022/48, reg. 5(a)

[^key-98c9aa793a86093382ca75f2362e8062]: Act modified by 1988 c. 52, s. 12E (as inserted (10.3.2017) by Deregulation Act 2015 (c. 20), ss. 73(3), 115(7); S.I. 2017/273, art. 2(a))

[^key-9933bcf9edd55e1aec00579d953a3208]: Words in s. 33(1)(a) substituted (21.4.2021) by Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018 (c. 18), s. 21, Sch. para. 16(2); S.I. 2021/396, reg. 3(c)(d)

[^key-9d2b693c13000ebce0f289ff5bf0af39]: S. 27C inserted (6.4.2010) by Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (c. 25), ss. 171(1), 182(5) (with s. 180); S.I. 2010/816, art. 2, Sch. para. 11

[^key-9d35243ffbbed67bd72e1cdc205f5724]: S. 27B(3A) inserted (11.11.2013) by The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (External Requests and Orders) (Amendment) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/2604), arts. 1(1), 4(3)

[^key-9e89125b2aaff8c11aa9cf10c7c325f8]: Words in s. 38 omitted (6.4.2014) by virtue of Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 (c. 15), s. 148, Sch. 14 para. 37, Sch. 23 Pt. 4 (with s. 89); S.I. 2014/768, art. 2(1)(b)

[^key-a1ffbadd77d63e63c3f55f993f221211]: S. 33(1ZA)-(1ZC) inserted (30.6.2021) by Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Act 2021 (c. 23), s. 14(2), Sch. 2 para. 1(2); S.I. 2021/678, reg. 2

[^key-a67577edfa91d74f112bfe3a7a1856de]: S. 33B(1)(b) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Alternative Dispute Resolution for Consumer Disputes (Extension of Time Limits for Legal Proceedings) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1139), regs. 1(2), 3(2)(b) (with reg. 7)