Discount rate reduction from 2.5% to -0.75% for personal injury claims Statement from the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL)

People who suffer severe life-changing injuries can now be assured that the compensation needed to look after them is calculated correctly and is sufficient to provide care for the rest of their lives. It is what they need and deserve and APIL welcomes this recognition from the Lord Chancellor.

But we must also note that this change is long overdue. People already coping with the most severe injuries have been deprived of the help and care they need for years. Meanwhile insurance companies, which have saved millions of pounds in unpaid compensation, have been aware that a decision to change the discount rate has been on the cards for six years, since APIL first began judicial review proceedings on the issue. They have had plenty of time to prepare for this change and the fact that many are now saying premiums will have to rise to cover the cost simply beggars belief.

We hope this decision marks a long overdue turning point towards treating injured people fairly and with understanding. It is not only the right thing to do, it takes the cost of caring for people away from the taxpayer and puts it squarely where it should be – with the person who caused the needless injury.