The Justice Select Committee intends to hold an inquiry into the Government's proposed whiplash reforms.
The news was announced by the Committee chair, Bob Neill MP, at the Conservative Party Conference. Neill said the whiplash reforms are still very much on the agenda, however he was unable to give a date for the inquiry.
The reforms previously formed part of the Prisons and Courts Bill, but were shelved due to the general election. Following the election it was announced the reforms will now be introduced in specific court reform legislation; the Civil Liabilities Bill.
The Bill is expected to echo many of the proposals contained in the Prisons and Courts Bill, including introducing a tariff system for whiplash claims with an injury duration of between 0 and 24 months (to replace the JC Guidelines) and a ban on offers to settle claims without medical evidence.
However it is unclear whether an increase in the small claims limit will reappear, as the briefing notes to the Queens Speech failed to include this as a main element of the Bill.
The Civil Liability Bill is already likely take a backseat in the legislative agenda as Brexit dominates proceedings. It is expected the Justice Select Committee inquiry will further delay the publishing of the Bill and enacting of legislation. Insurers will need to continue to engage with and lobby the Government to ensure much needed reform is secured.
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