Dan, is this the current version of JAR-FCL 1.185?
JAR–FCL 1.185 Validity, revalidation and renewal
(a) An IR(A) is valid for one year. If an IR(A) for a multi-engine aeroplane is to be revalidated the holder shall complete the instrument requirements of JAR–FCL 1.245(b)(1), which may be conducted in a flight simulator or FNPT II. If an IR(A) for single-engine aeroplanes is to be revalidated the holder shall complete, as a proficiency check, the skill test set out in Appendices 1 and 2 to JAR–FCL 1.210, except for Section 6.
(b) If the IR(A) is valid for use in single-pilot operations, the revalidation shall be completed in either multi-pilot operations or single-pilot operations. If the IR(A) is restricted for use in multi-pilot operations only, the revalidation shall be completed in multi-pilot operations.
(c) An applicant who fails to achieve a pass in all sections of a proficiency check before the expiry date of an instrumement rating shall not exercise the privileges of that rating until the proficiency check has successfully been completed.
(d) If the rating is to be renewed, the holder shall meet the requirements above and any additional requirements as determined by the Authority.
(e) If the IR(A) has not been revalidated/renewed within the preceding 7 years, the holder will be required to retake the IR(A) theoretical knowledge examination.
Quite how the CAA has managed to read into this that their former policy was incorrect, I cannot understand. It doesn't seem to have caused any difficulties in the industry to date.