Disputes: SRA supports case resolution outside of court
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (“SRA”) has been provided with a government grant of around £120,000 to investigate ways to support consumers facing disputes. Businesses can use ‘technology-focused’ ‘accessible and affordable’ dispute resolution without the need for court proceedings.
The Chief Executive of the SRA Mr Paul Philip has said: 'We welcome this important opportunity to work with our partners to support people in resolving their legal issues without having to use the courts. This has the potential to make a real difference for individual consumers, saving them time and money, as well as relieving pressure on the court system, which benefits the wider community.'
The project is set to begin in September 2023 and ‘aims to encourage the development of technological solutions that will promote and expand the use of dispute resolution throughout England and Wales. It is considered that the increased use of alternative dispute resolution methods, particularly using technology could reduce both the workload of the courts and the backlog of cases caused by the pandemic.
According to the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), approximately 68% of civil court users would prefer to avoid court unless necessary. According to research, over 2 million civil proceedings were initiated in County Courts in 2019 alone, putting significant pressure on the court system and increasing costs for all parties involved.
The delays in the Court systems have presented various proposals to the civil justice system, however some are yet to be implemented, with the Judges suggesting some cases are more suited to lower-cost forms of online resolution.
Please read our Article online resolution at:
Low-Value Disputes – Best Handled Online - Lawson West Solicitors in Leicester (lawson-west.co.uk)
If you wish to discuss further about your dispute or to consider alternative ways to resolving your dispute, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our Dispute Resolution department here at Lawson-West Solicitors. Tel: 0116 212 1000 or Contact Us.
Other Related Articles:
Small Claims? Push them to Mediation - CJC report says
2018 Government Research: 'Resolving consumer disputes: alternative dispute resolution and the court system'
