The government has confirmed the start date for the 15% increase in damages for whiplash injuries. The tariff for injuries lasting up to two years will come into force on 31 May, the Ministry of Justice said.
The original whiplash tariff from 2021 will continue to apply to relevant whiplash injuries from road traffic accidents that occur before 31 May.
Justice minister Sarah Sackman KC said the 15% increase is designed to account for the effects of inflation since 2021 and has provided a buffer for expected inflation until 2027.
‘The uplift will ensure that claimants can continue to receive appropriate compensation for whiplash injuries that occur before the next statutory review of the tariff,’ said Sackman.
The Civil Liability Act required the lord chancellor to review the tariff levels within three years of it being implemented in May 2021.
Sue Brown, chair of the Motor Accidents Solicitors Society, welcomed the increase but said there remain fundamental problems with the compensation system. ‘We do still think that the tariff system is deeply flawed and look forward to setting out views in detail as part of the forthcoming review of the Civil Liability Act and the wider reforms,’ added Brown.
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