Scottish Arbitration Bill introduced
Arbitration News / 30 January 2009
John Campbell QC, President of CIArb, today welcomed the Arbitration (Scotland) Bill as one of the most important in Scotland's economic history.
The Bill, which has cross party support, was drafted by the Scottish Government in close consultation with CIArb and other arbitration practitioners. It will make access to arbitration in Scotland much easier for individuals, small and medium sized firms and large businesses. It will also radically improve the entire arbitration process.
Short form rules
In parallel with the Bill, CIArb will prepare a set of short form arbitration rules which will be of immediate use to small and medium sized businesses and to consumers. These will offer significant potential for rapid, low cost dispute resolution in a binding form.
Cost-effective
Mr Campbell said: "This Bill, when enacted, will see Scotland leading the way in dispute resolution - not just in the United Kingdom but across the world. It will provide a simple, easy and cost effective process that could potentially save disputing parties and the taxpayer millions of pounds in costs as well as a great deal of court time.
"The Bill will be of benefit to everyone, from consumers who are unhappy with a service provided by a tradesman to large businesses caught up in what otherwise might prove to be lengthy and expensive litigation. This is a landmark piece of legislation, one of the most important in the economic history of Scotland. I am delighted that the Government has found Parliamentary time to introduce such an important measure, and extremely pleased that it has attracted such strong cross party support."