Source · Select Committees · Business and Trade Committee
Recommendation 22
22
Accepted
Paragraph: 148
Regulators and other relevant stakeholders should invest in better online arbitration systems that are quicker...
Recommendation
Regulators and other relevant stakeholders should invest in better online arbitration systems that are quicker and cheaper, to speed up enforcement of minor consumer rights breaches. These investments should include better internal digital case management systems and other options for consumers who are unable to access online services.
Government Response Summary
The Government has committed to reform Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) by legislating to boost the quality and oversight of ADR services, particularly in non-regulated sectors and is exploring mediation in the civil justice system.
Paragraph Reference:
148
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Government has committed to reform Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and legislate to boost the quality and oversight of ADR services, particularly in non-regulated sectors where consumer awareness and business take up of ADR can be low. Reforms will help embed a common standard across ADR providers (including those that have not Post pandemic economic growth: State aid and post-Brexit competition policy: Government Response 7 sought accreditation previously), introduce a mandatory accreditation requirement and raise the minimum standard ADR bodies are assessed against. This may help increase consumer and business confidence in ADR and drive increased take-up. More widely, the Ministry of Justice’s (MoJ) recent consultation on increasing the use of mediation in the civil justice system sought views on introducing a requirement to attempt mediation for all proceedings allocated to the small claims track of the County Court. The Department for Transport (DfT) also consulted this year on whether ADR membership should be compulsory for all airlines operating to, from and within the UK. Responses to these consultations are being considered and next steps will be set out shortly. BEIS, DfT and MoJ are working closely to ensure outcomes across each project are aligned and complementary.