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.
