News Articles

Justice Secretary sets out plans to double limit on small claims in county court

Kenneth Clarke, the Justice Secretary has announced that as part of the government’s measures to speed up civil litigation, the limit on small claims in the county court will be increased by double to £10,000. It is estimated that this will lead to 80,000 more cases being dealt with as small claims.

There are plans to possibly increase it further to £15,000 after carrying out a further assessment. The Ministry of Justice is also looking at reducing the cases heard at the High Court leaving it to deal with only the most complex cases. It has been proposed that the level below which non-personal injury claims will not be heard in the High Court will be increased from £25,000 to £100,000. In an even sharper increase equity cases will only be heard in the High Court where the value of the property is £350,000 or more as opposed to the current minimum of £30,000. 

Mr Clarke said: ‘Without effective civil justice, business couldn’t trade, individuals couldn’t enforce their rights, and government couldn’t fulfil its duties.’

‘But individuals and businesses tell me that the civil justice system at the moment can sometimes be intimidating and that they don’t know if using the system will be worth the time, expense and hassle of going to court.’

‘I want to make the system as easy and transparent as possible. I want people to be able to resolve their disputes cheaply and simply through the courts’ very successful mediation service, and I want judges freed up to make quick and effective judgments based on the facts of a case, without unnecessary legal complication.’

If you're having business disagreements and are in need of the best legal representation in the region, then give us a call on 01604 828270 or fill out our online contact form. Our specialist team of Litigation solicitors are always on hand to help.

• < < Go back to the previous page
• News Homepage