Jake Berry MP welcomes consultation on Small Claims Court
Last week, during questions on reform to the Civil Justice System in the House of Commons, Rossendale and Darwen MP, Jake Berry, raised an important issue for local constituents regarding proposals for the small claims court.
Jake Berry asked Justice Secretary, Ken Clarke: “On the small claims courts, it is interesting that we are increasing the limit from £5,000 to £15,000. Will personal injury cases now be included, and will the recovery of legal fees be precluded in all cases up to £15,000.”
Ken Clarke suggested that personal injury claims would not be included. He also confirmed that any changes would be put to consultation but agreed that extending the small claims court jurisdiction is a very desirable thing to do.
Jake Berry welcomed the consultation commenting: “I consider strengthening of the Small Claims Court as good news. Many of the people who come to surgeries have benefited from being able to resolve minor financial disputes in the small claims court. As a lawyer, I can say that the small claims courts have been successful as a relatively informal, low-cost way of resolving simple disputes or collecting straightforward debt. An extension of the small claims court would help even more people avoid the daunting prospect of appearing before a judge in a formal court setting and running up the associated legal costs.”
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