See you in court - online
Web site cuts the cost of making a court claim
A web site opened by the government will enable individuals to sue online.
The Lord Chancellor's department has unveiled plans to let consumers and small businesses make an online claim, effectively through a cyber-court, without the expense of actually going to court.
The aim of the service is to keep down the cost of making small claims.
Claimants who do not have computer access will be able to access online court centres in libraries and community centres.
In 2000 there were around 1.6 million claims for outstanding debts, many for rent or failed hire purchase payments.
The Court Service expects to receive 25,000 claims through the online service this year. If the claim goes undefended, the claimant will not have to go to court.
After registering online, users key in the details of the person who owes them money and the details of the claim. The information is sent to a central claim centre, which issues a number so that progress can be tracked online.
£1.8m has been invested in developing the service so far. The service will be expanded later this year.
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