I have today published a consultation paper, Case Track Limits and the Claims Process for Personal Injury Claims.

The paper reviews the case track limits for civil claims as provided for in Part 26 of the Civil Procedure Rules. It proposes that the fast-track limit should be increased to £25,000, but that there should be no change to the small claims limits, including those for personal injury and housing disrepair claims.

The paper also considers ways to improve the claims process for personal injury cases to make it more timely, proportionate and cost-effective. It makes proposals for a new system based around the principles of early notification of a claim; early admissions of liability; the removal of duplication of work; fixed time periods and fixed recoverable costs.

Copies of the consultation paper have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses and can be obtained free on the department’s website at www.dca.gov.uk/consult/confr.htm#full. The closing date for consultation is 13 July 2007.