Source · Select Committees · Business and Trade Committee
Recommendation 12
12
Rejected
Grant Independent Reviewer greater powers to case manage Group Litigation Order claims.
Recommendation
It is disappointing that the Department does not believe the Independent Reviewer should be given a greater role in the Group Litigation Order Scheme, despite the former Post Office Minister confessing that it was a mistake not to do so. Sir Ross Cranston is a former High Court Judge with a wealth of experience that is not being used to the full. The Government should give the Independent Reviewer greater powers to case manage Group Litigation Order claims throughout the whole process. (Recommendation, Paragraph 49)
Government Response Summary
The government rejects the recommendation, stating that Dentons already provide case management for the GLO scheme and Sir Ross Cranston's distinct role as Reviewer is focused on scheme principles and fairness, with limited time commitment due to other responsibilities.
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
• The Government does not accept this recommendation. • The Department recognises that there is a greater role for the Case Management function to play in the GLO Scheme. The Case Management function within the GLO scheme is delivered by Dentons, the scheme’s independent claim facilitators. Dentons provide a dedicated team with a wealth of experience in facilitating mediation and resolving disputes, and crucially in managing large volumes of claims while doing so. We are encouraging Dentons to play as active role in the scheme as they can and will continue to do so. • The Department is productively working with claimants’ solicitors and Dentons to maximise the benefit of the role of the facilitation process in the scheme. It is accepted and was envisaged at the Scheme’s inception that facilitated discussions would be appropriate in specific cases, whereas the Panel and Reviewer process should be reserved for points of Scheme Principles. • The Department greatly values Sir Ross Cranston’s expertise and it was for that reason that he was appointed as the Scheme’s Reviewer. However, this is a very distinct role with a much lower time commitment than the role played by Sir Gary Hickinbottom on the Overturned Convictions Scheme. Sir Ross is currently chairing an inquiry into the November 2021 Channel crossing tragedy and would not be able to commit additional time to the GLO scheme. The current arrangement ensures that Sir Ross’ expertise is used on points of scheme principle and fairness rather than administratively on case management. ...