HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has issued a letter about an upcoming policy change which will make mediation a requirement for small claims cases, starting with most money claims under the value of £10,000.

At present, parties in money claims cases under £10,000 can choose to use the HMCTS Small Claims Mediation Service (SCMS) voluntarily. In future, mediations will be an integral part of the small claims process.

The change will come into force in two stages which are explained in the letter here.