In previous posts I have been commenting on the proposed new claims process and the problems that arise as to what the relationship will be between the proposed new staged fixed fees under the new claims process and the existing fixed predictable costs (CPR 45.7-45.14).

This problem is beginning to look more acute as time goes on. At the recent Legal & Medical conference, Amanda Stevens, President of APIL, raised concern over the level of consultation yet needed to deliver a tight and clarified costs process by the expected reform start date of October 2009.

There will be a continuing period of uncertainty for insurers, lawyers and law costs draftsmen.

Don’t be surprised if the whole concept is scrapped and they go right back to the drawing board. You heard it here first.