UK: MoJ pushes on with environmental costs reform in face of strong opposition

The Ministry of Justice in the UK (MoJ) introduced a reform of the environmental costs protection regime (ECPR). However, it is facing great opposition from the public in realizing this reform. While the current ECPR has capped the costs that a court can order an unsuccessful claimant to pay to other parties, the new regime would allow for variation of financial caps. Furthermore, the reform would clarify, among other things, that the ECPR can only be used by claimants who require cost protection because of EU Law or the Aarhus Convention. Although recognizing the public’s concerns, the Ministry is convinced of the reform’s value, hoping it will deter unfounded claims which often delay and frustrate proper decision-making.