Manchester launches free mediation advice scheme

The government's latest push to encourage mediation was launched this week in Manchester, with a free advice service for court users.

The pilot scheme at Manchester County Court involves a dedicated mediation adviser providing free advice to clients and their lawyers about the suitability of mediation in all types of civil disputes.

If they agree to mediation, the adviser can arrange an appointment through the Manchester Law Society mediation scheme.

Manchester County Court will send out information about the scheme when people make a claim and when they are sent an allocation questionnaire, and it will be advertised in the courts, Citizens Advice Bureaux and libraries.

Judges will also be able to refer people to the advice service at any time during a case.

Judge Richard Holman, designated civil judge at Manchester County Court, said: 'The civil judiciary in Manchester will seek to encourage litigants and their legal advisers to make full use of the service.'

Fran Eccles, executive director of the Manchester Law Society, said the society was 'delighted' to be associated with the pilot.

Under its mediation scheme, claims with a non-monetary value cost 250 for up to four hours and 75 each following hour up to 1,000.

Claims with a monetary value start at 250 for up to four hours and 75 each following hour, up to 500 for claims of 15,000-100,000.

The pilot will run for nine months and if successful will be introduced in other major court centres.

Last month, the Department for Constitutional Affairs set up a year-long pilot scheme at the Central London Civil Justice Centre to test the effectiveness of mediation when referral is an automatic part of the process.