The small claims procedure is a special mechanism for dealing with consumer claims within the district court structure which is designed to handle such claims speedily, inexpensively and informally without involving a solicitor. It is administered by the Small Claims Registrar whose function it is to process the claims and, if possible, reach a satisfactory settlement without the need for a court hearing. Should this prove unsuccessful the claim will go before the District Court judge. The small claims procedure was initially introduced on a pilot basis in 1991 and was extended nation-wide in 1993 following on from the success of the pilot scheme. The current fee payable for using the procedure is £6.
To avail of the procedure a person must have bought goods or services for private use from someone selling them in the course of business. Claims may be made for bad workmanship or faulty goods as far as most everyday transactions are concerned but not or debts or personal injuries. When the scheme was extended in 1993, the non-return of rent deposits and minor damage to privately-owned property were included. The operation of the small claims procedure was reviewed in 1999 and examined such issues as the monetary limit which applies, the scope of the procedure and the fees payable under it. Following the review, I increased the monetary limit which applies to claims made under the procedure from £600 to £1,000. While the review did not include a survey of the satisfaction levels of clients of the procedure, I am aware that the procedure is perceived generally as being a success due to its consumer orientation.