Written question asked by Lord Wigley (Plaid Cymru) on Wednesday, 5 November 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 19 November 2025. It was answered by Baroness Levitt (Labour) on Tuesday, 18 November 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Class Actions

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to review the law around class actions to establish a maximum on damages awarded and legal costs claimable.

Answer

As a general rule, the appropriate damages to be awarded in individual cases are independently determined by the courts on the basis of the relevant law and evidence, once liability has been established. In England and Wales, costs follow the event.

The Government has no plans to establish a cap on damages or costs in collective actions generally.

The Department for Business and Trade recently issued a Call for Evidence on the opt-out collective actions regime in the Competition Appeal Tribunal.

The Civil Justice Council recently concluded a review of litigation funding which is a common form of funding in collective action claims. The Government is reviewing the Council’s report and will make an announcement in due course.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL11689
Session: 2024-26
Subjects: Damages Legal costs Class actions
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Class Actions

Secondary information

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