Case management and low value claims

In West Country Renovations Ltd v McDowell [2012] EWHC 307 (TCC), [2012] 3 All ER 106, Mr Justice Akenhead provided guidance on the subject of the circumstances in which claims should be commenced before a High Court judge in the Technology and Construction Court (‘TCC’) and when they should be commenced in other courts, such as the County Court. While recognising a number of exceptional cases, Akenhead J, having consulted with other High Court judges of the TCC, held that, generally, claims which are for less than £250,000 should be commenced in County Courts or other High Court centres outside London which have TCC designated judges. In this way it is hoped that the High Court judges of the TCC will not have to handle an excessive number of low value claims and can concentrate on cases which are of high value, have an international component or raise new or difficult points of law.

In West CountryRenovations Ltd v McDowell [2012] EWHC 307 (TCC), [2012] 3 All ER 106, Mr Justice Akenheadprovided guidance on the subject of the circumstances in which claims shouldbe commenced before a High Court judge in the Technology and Construction Court(‘TCC’) and when they should be commenced in other courts, such as the CountyCourt.While recognising a number of exceptional cases,Akenhead J, havingconsulted with other High Court judges of the TCC, held that, generally, claimswhich are for less than £ 250,000 should becommenced in County Courts or other High Court centres outside London whichhave TCC designated judges. In this way it is hoped that the High Court judgesof the TCC will not have to handle an excessive number of low value claims andcan concentrate on cases which are of high value, have an internationalcomponent or raise new or difficult points of law.