New N180 form - Mediation appears to be mandatory

Grizebeck

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/664cb5df993111924d9d3928/N180_0524_save.pdf

Of course all this means for cases like this which is unsuitable is you rock up for your phone call, say i offer zero or you pay my costs and job done

It will of course extend the time cases get to a hearing but hey ho

A. Settlement/Mediation Under the Civil Procedure Rules parties should make every effort to settle their case. At this stage you should still think about whether you and the other party(ies) can settle your dispute without going to a hearing.

Mediation is a way of resolving disputes without a court hearing, where the parties are assisted in resolving their dispute with the help of an impartial mediator. Mediation is usually carried out by telephone in one hour time limited appointments.

You may seek to settle the claim either by direct discussion with the other party or by private or court mediation. If settlement is reached, parties may enter into a binding agreement which can be enforced if the terms of the agreement were to be breached.

 As part of your case, HMCTS will provide a free, confidential Small Claims Mediation Service. For all money claims for £10,000 or less, parties are required to attend a mediation appointment organised by the Small Claims Mediation Service.

If you do not attend mediation, you may be subject to penalties. These could include the Judge ordering you to pay costs, or the Judge automatically ruling in favour of the other party(ies). If the claim is settled at this stage the parties can avoid further court fees, costs and time involved in preparing and attending a hearing. If you are unable to reach agreement with the other party at mediation, the claim will proceed to a small claims hearing.

136_NW

This is an extension of CPR1.1 Overriding Objective, except there is now a potential costs sanction in play for those that do not attend mediation.

In my lengthening experience, it would be no surprise at all if the utterly incompetent and permanently stupid DCB Legal failed to show for mediation appointments. 

Umkomaas

136_NW said:

In my lengthening experience, it would be no surprise at all if the utterly incompetent and permanently stupid DCB Legal failed to show for mediation appointments. 

I agree. The tens of thousands of claims they are initiating each year will become much more difficult to manage if mediation is mandatory. The conveyor belt won't be running quite so smoothly. 

Coupon-mad

That is a positive!

Otherwise, horrible in parking claims.