The Paper-Based Small Claims Pilot

On 1st June 2022, a small claims pilot scheme called the “Small Claims Paper Determination Pilot” was launched.  This allows courts to decide the outcome of certain small claims without the need for a final hearing. The aim of the scheme is to reduce the time which lower value cases take to reach a conclusion.

The pilot will run for a period of two years with scope to be extended. The courts taking part in the pilot are Bedford, Cardiff, Guildford, Luton, Manchester and Staines. The pilot will apply to claims issued after 1st June 2022 and will apply to most small claims with a value of less than £1,000.00, except for housing disrepair cases and certain personal injury claims.

In addition to speeding up the time which lower value claims take to reach a final outcome, it is hoped that the pilot will help to address the significant delays suffered by the majority of county courts in the past two years as a result of the Covid pandemic.

The pilot may benefit landlords who have low value claims against former tenants for unpaid rent or for damage caused to property. These claims may progress through the courts at a quicker pace, and landlords may benefit from reduced legal costs because the cost of preparing for and attending a final hearing will be removed.

If you have a claim against a former tenant which you would like to discuss, please contact our dedicated Landlord and Tenant team on 02920 808666 or email us at [email protected].