Government Whiplash Reforms – On Hold?

The Law Society Gazette is reporting that the Justice Secretary is not intending to proceed with the personal injury reforms set out in last year’s Autumn Statement “at the moment”.

We blogged on those proposals at the time here which, as a reminder, were that the small claims track limit should be raised to £5,000 and the removal of the right to general damages for minor soft tissue injuries.

Apparently the MOJ has stressed that it is still committed to tackling the high cost of whiplash claims. The Gazette reports that fresh proposals are in the works and could be introduced by the end of the year.

It seems the original proposals came very much from the Treasury rather than the MOJ so it will be interesting to see what the MOJ’s solution is. Hopefully they will find a formula which will satisfy everyone by effectively tackling fraud while maintaining access to justice.

As ever, watch this space for updates.