LEIG grave concerns at Civil Litigation Costs Review Report conclusions , 15 January 2010

Legal Expenses Insurance Group

News Release : 15 January 2010

The Legal Expenses Insurance Group (LEIG) expressed grave concern about many of the proposals in Sir Rupert Jacksons final report Review of civil litigation costs published yesterday.

Tony Baker, Director of the LEIG, commented:

This radical report is a step too far. Any worthy aspects of the report are lost because of its explicit restriction of access to justice. Cost control is fine but Sir Rupert has forgotten that, for a large proportion of the population, a £4,000 claim represents almost half a years net income. Offering a contingency fee solution is unworkable for claimants on modest means. Offering no solution at all is beyond inequitable.

He added:

It would be amazing if any government sought parliamentary time to carry forward these proposals. They suggest moving more towards adoption of the American legal system into the UK. Everyone recognises this system does not work. Increasingly the US looks to reform along current UK lines.

-ENDS -

Notes for Editors

1. The Legal Expenses Insurance Group (LEIG) was formed in April 2006 by a number of leading legal expenses insurers and intermediaries. The aim of the Group is to work together to protect and advance the rights of claimants to justice and fair levels of compensation. The following companies have to date joined the LEIG:

Albany

Angel assistance

ARAG

DAS

Elite Insurance Company

Financial and Legal

IGI Insurance

LAMP

MSL

Temple Legal Protection

Templeton Insurance

ULR Norwich

It is estimated that members represent in excess of eight million motor legal expense policyholders and over 16 million policyholders in general.

2. Tony Bakers contact details are:

Tony Baker

Tel: 01920 465000

Mobile: 07725 462528

Email: thetonybaker@gmail.com

A jpeg picture is available on request.

3. Website: www.leig.org

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