The limit for claims allocated to the fast track is to be raised from £15,000 to £25,000 for proceedings issued on or after 6 April 2009.

As a consequence of this change, the fixed fast track trial costs recoverable by counsel, or other advocate, will increase to £1,650 for claims with a value of more than £15,000 where the claim is issued on or after 6 April 2009.

It will be important to keep an eye on the date proceedings were therefore issued. If a claim was issued before 6 April 2009, is allocated to the fast-track and the damages recovered are more than £15,000 the old maximum amount of £1,035 will continue to apply.