18/06/2007

NI Court Service launch online claims service

The Northern Ireland Court Service has launched an online small claims service today.

‘Small Claims Online’ is an innovative IT service which allows members of the public and businesses to access the Small Claims Court over the internet is a first for the courts here.

The Minister for the Northern Ireland Court Service, the Rt Hon David Hanson MP launched the service.

He said: “Being able to make applications online for the first time in Northern Ireland is an important step forward in giving people greater access to the justice system whenever they wish from the comfort of their homes.

“This new service is quick, simple to administer and available outside of normal working hours – and most importantly, eliminates the need to attend court to make an application.”

Every year, an excess of 10,000 small claims are lodged at court offices. These can be claims up to a value of £2,000 for money owed for things such as unpaid debt, rent arrears, hire purchase payments, damage to property and unsatisfactory workmanship.

The new service has recently been awarded the 2007 GoldenEye award for best innovative use of IT in the public sector in Northern Ireland.

(JM/KMcA)

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