After the expiry period, if the recipient of the Part 36 offer wishes to accept the offer, what must happen for acceptance to be valid?

• A. The recipient must obtain the court's permission to accept.
• B. The offer automatically remains open and can be accepted at any time.
• C. The party making the offer must apply to the court for permission to withdraw or change within 7 days.
• D. Acceptance after expiry is not possible.

Answer: (C)

After expiry, acceptance isn’t automatic. Part 36 offers are designed to settle disputes quickly, but once the period ends the offeror has a brief chance to protect their position by asking the court to withdraw or amend the offer. The recipient can only accept on valid terms if the offeror applies to the court for permission to withdraw or change within seven days of expiry. If the court grants permission, the original offer may be withdrawn or altered; if not, the offer remains open and can be accepted.