Friday 8 September 2017

More cases are going to court


The Ministry of Justice has today published its Q2 civil justice statistics for England and Wales:  http://bit.ly/2vOexrj


Between April to June 2017, increases can be seen across most stages of county court activity (claims, defences, trials and judgments made).

County court claims volumes are up by 40% compared to the same quarter 2016, driven by specified money claims (for example contractual disputes and debts).

In April to June 2017, the highest quarterly number of County Court claims were lodged since 2009, at 565,000. Of these, 457,000 were specified money claims (up 54% on April to June 2016).

Increases have also been seen in non-money claims for the second consecutive quarter.   For example, returns of goods claims have increased by 53% since Q3 2015.

Claims were more likely to be defended than previously. For claims that had gone to trial in April to June 2017 the figures show a 10% increase in the number of defended cases.

The average time taken from claim to hearing has increased.


Our view


The above figures corroborate the ever-increasing value of legal expenses protection and on- line legal services. ARAG policyholders can easily access online legal services to chase for outstanding debts and letters are available to download to help businesses, landlords and consumers to resolve a whole range of disputes.
Where, despite chasing for money that is owed, payment cannot be obtained; where the sum in dispute is high or where there is a dispute over goods and services our customers are insured against costs to proceed to litigation. 


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