A word from the chief executive
APIL is working to make a difference - and here's how
As we are almost halfway through the year, I take this opportunity to talk to you about our vital campaigns, consumer awareness programme and our lobbying activity.
The fights we face and the issues confronting us are still more often than not of “David & Goliath” stature. APIL’s approach does pay dividends – we are targeted in our approach, prioritising issues and identifying individuals who we know are the right people to talk to. This takes time, but is an essential approach for an association which has a small staff team and willing volunteers.
Current key priorities: coroners, workplace compensation (ELIB) third party capture, Lord Justice Jackson's review of costs, referral fees and advertising
Most recently, APIL has been contacted by the office of Lord Bach (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Justice) as a result of our correspondence with him, and he is keen to meet with us to discuss the difficulties currently faced by bereaved families at inquests and the difficulties of obtaining legal aid. We will pursue the meeting, while liaising with peers to gain support for APIL’s recent proposed amendment to the Coroners and Justice Bill. We cannot and will not let up on our work as this Bill takes its course through the two Houses. APIL is being heard, as the number of mentions we have received in Parliament demonstrates.
Members are once again being consulted on APIL’s next steps in its decade-long campaign for a fund of last resort for those who cannot trace their ELI policies, supported by a compulsory central database of insurance policies. We are working with parliamentarians and other campaigners to demonstrate that the ABI’s voluntary code is not fit for purpose and is failing injured people - we will continue our work and fight on.
In a recent BBC interview, Justin Jacobs from the ABI told listeners, when asked about third party capture “insurers are paying the right compensation quickly”. We all know that isn’t true and we will continue to counter such mis-information. In the same interview, Justin Jacobs mentioned another of the ABI’s research reports which he said showed “… in 100,000 motor claims, it made no difference to the level of compensation, if a lawyer was involved”. The insurer’s game remains to cut costs and increase bottom line profits. Countering mis-information is an ongoing battle for us, and we will not let big business go unchallenged.
“Not another review!” was the cry for many in APIL when the Master of the Rolls told us about the planned review led by Lord Justice Jackson. This brought for us another huge tranche of work. Obviously, we had to respond and the time and effort has once again paid dividends. References to APIL’s position and evidence can be found throughout the voluminous document.
Now we need to do more, and the executive committee and APIL staff are committed to presenting Sir Rupert with another thoughtful, helpful, clear and strong response.
Moving on to the activity which has become a commonplace phrase - third party capture. Since first hearing from members, APIL has pushed hard on this over the last couple of years, sending evidence to the FSA and gaining national press coverage about some despicable behaviour which must be outlawed through proper regulation. We are now working to rally support from a growing number of MPs and we won’t let this one rest until we see some changes. Case studies really are the key here, which only you can provide.
And, finally, referral fees and advertising– the debate goes on and concerns for us are still there regarding the potential harm they may cause to the public, conflict of interest worries and the general image issues for personal injury law and potential limits to access to justice. Our debate at this year’s annual conference generated familiar arguments, and in my view, an overall worry about the general image problems they bring about for personal injury claims. Next steps for APIL are being discussed with APIL’s executive committee.
We will do more - please help us.
We do listen to you, and the evidence and input you provide is vital. “Have your say” on Jackson’s review is the call from my recent letter to each APIL member. The time given us for our response is short, but we will consider all views and comments submitted.
I urge you to become part of APIL Voice
www.apil.org.uk/apilvoice
- our new online panel to gauge opinion and gain facts from you quickly to ensure our voice to all our key audiences remains authoritative and listened to.
Denise Kitchener
Chief Executive |
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