SMALL CLAIMS LIMIT IN PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS

Early day motion 870, tabled 9 March 2005 by Lord Mann (Labour). Signed by 18 members.

That this House notes the report Better Routes to Redress published by the Better Regulation Taskforce in May 2004; further notes the conclusion of the report that, whilst a fear of compensation culture may be justified, it does not in reality exist to the extent perceived; recognises that many small claims for personal injury never reach court; recommends that the Department for Constitutional Affairs carries out research into the potential impact of raising the limit under which personal injury claims can be pursued through the small claim track; and further recommends that this research should establish a limit which best balances the benefits to the claimant and to society against the costs, but should justify any limit lower than ú5,000.

Signatures by party: Labour 12, Liberal Democrat 3, Labour/Co-operative 2, Conservative 1.