# Default Rules (Reference Only)

## Important

This file is **not the active rule set for this refactor branch**.

Active working rules are defined in:

- `.clinerules/refactor-branch-rules.md`
- `context/refactor-branch-charter.md`
- `context/newappeal-refactor-guardrails.md`

Do not load this file by default.

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## Purpose

This file provides general repository-wide guidance and may be referenced when needed for broader context.

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## Repository Mission

Deliver safe, accessible, bilingual (EN/CY), and reliable public-service functionality without regressing core journeys.

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## General Priorities

1. Safety and security of user data
2. Stability of public-facing journeys
3. Accessibility and bilingual parity
4. Maintainability of code
5. Controlled, safe delivery

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## General Coding Guidance

- Follow existing repo patterns
- Keep page-level logic thin
- Move reusable logic into `components/`, `actions/`, or `lib/`
- Avoid broad refactors in feature or bugfix work
- Prefer small, focused changes

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## Architecture Guardrails (General)

- Do not bypass auth/session handling
- Do not weaken security controls
- Preserve relay request integrity
- Maintain EN/CY route parity
- Keep Redux hydration/persistence stable

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## Validation Expectations (General)

- linting must pass
- user-facing changes must be verified
- accessibility and EN/CY checks required
- sensitive flows require negative-path checks

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## When To Use This File

Only reference this file when:

- broader repository rules are required
- behaviour conflicts are unclear
- no branch-specific guidance exists

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## Summary

This file is background guidance only.

For this refactor branch:

- follow branch-specific rules first
- prioritise behaviour preservation
- keep context minimal and focused

## Branching Guidance (Reference)

Branching depends on work type:

- BAU work typically branches from `SIPS-Development`
- refactor-stream work for the new appeal flow uses `refactor` as the base branch

Follow branch-specific rules first.