Mediation has been an established effective forum to resolve legal disputes for some time now. It is not, however, an inexpensive exercise. In fact, in the small claims track where claims have a monetary value of up to £10,000 it could even be said to be a disproportionate cost.
Given the above, opening up mediation to those who might not otherwise have been able to access it is a great addition to the tool belt. It could help thousands seeking to resolve small claims do so effectively and quickly. However, whether the integration of mediation, and by extension the mandated nature of it, will mean that those wanting their day in Court will see it as a check box exercise is yet to be seen. Only time will tell as and when the scheme is rolled out.
Following a consultation last year, the government has committed to fully integrate mediation for civil claims up to £10,000, with the estimation that this greater use of mediation could positively impact up to 92,000 cases per year, aiming to simplifying processes for civil cases.
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