The Dekagram: 20th November 2023

We were interested to see this week that Vos MR has publicly accepted the recommendations of the Civil Justice Council's costs review; and where better to start than in increasing guideline hourly rates? The current rates, which date from 2021, will be uplifted on 1^st January 2024 to take account of the not insubstantial inflation in the services producer price index which has occurred since they were introduced. In April next year fixed recoverable costs under the new regime will also be uprated. The CJC's suggested costs budgeting pilots will also be actioned, and there will be a further 'generational' review of the provisions of the Solicitors Act 1974. The Lord Chancellor believes that the new FRC regime will enhance access to justice by 'providing clarity and transparency', thus controlling costs outlay in advance. He did not comment on the fact that these arguments cannot possibly be said to apply in personal injury cases.