Possession hearing next. Is there another way?

Hi Everyone. I have a tenant who has ignored the Section 8 & 20 (that was served at the same time). Served by a solicitor recommended on here (Thank you 👍great advice, less stress)
So now, the next step is for a Possession hearing in court. Before I pay my solicitor to go down this route, has anyone on here managed an alternative way? I’ve heard of landlords ‘paying their tenant off’.
I take it, this means offering them a sum of money to move out and not chasing the debt? Also Is this legal?
At the moment I’m more inclined to bite the bullet and continue down the route of Possession through court. The trouble is, I’m guessing this is not a quick fix. There must be a backlog due to COVID and looking at this situation I’m realistically thinking another 6/8 months at least before the tenant is removed. I’d appreciate anyone’s advice on this.
I’m keeping my personal feelings in check as this is ‘business’ but I can’t help feeling truly ‘done over’. And yes, as I’ve learnt from this forum ‘it was only a matter of time’. Thanks Guys

Hi

Would you be able to share the solicitor details and advise on likely cost? I have a similar problem…