Top Service News
Changes to the Small Claims Track
Published on
From 22nd May, 2024, any money claims up to £10,000 must undergo a free one-hour mediation session through HMCTS’ Small Claims Mediation Service. This means small claims mediation is now mandatory.
This new requirement aims to reduce the number of claims reaching court, freeing up to 5,000 judicial sitting days annually to focus on more complex cases.
Key Benefits of This Change:
- Mediation sessions are usually organised within 28 days, much quicker than waiting for a court date.
- There’s no hearing fee for mediation, making it a cheaper alternative to court proceedings.
- Mediation provides a calm, non-judgemental environment for parties to resolve disputes, avoiding the stress of a court battle.
- HMCTS has more than doubled its mediators from 25 to 64, ensuring ample support for this initiative.
The change will also apply to small claims issued via OCMC (Online Civil Money Claims) but at a later date.
You can read more about this change here https://www.gov.uk/government/news/faster-resolution-for-small-claims-as-mediation-baked-into-courts-process
If you currently have any debts owed to you, Top Service offers a No Win, No fee debt recovery service, exclusively for businesses within the construction sector. Please get in touch on 01527 503990 to speak with one of our advisers to find out more about how we can support you!
