Our initial view
This is not good news for insurers, and while not a complete surprise in terms of recent developments it is a lower rate than many had anticipated. The new rate leaves us with a significant differential of 0.5% between Scotland and England and Wales, and a dual system where the cost of claims will be significantly higher for the NHS and taxpayers in Scotland. The reality is that this rate will likely result in overcompensation to claimants above and beyond the current situation south of the border.
Why is there a different rate in Scotland?
The Damages (Investment Returns and Periodical Payments) (Scotland) Act 2019 is the legislation that determines the methodology for setting the rate in Scotland. The Act allows for a statutory "further margin" of -0.5% without which would have seen the rate at -0.25%. This is a pure policy decision by the Scottish Government in response to arguments presented by the claimant lobby. We have argued that there is no logical basis for this given that the risks are already factored into the investment portfolio.
The practical effect
Worked examples below showing effects of differential rates for Scotland and England and Wales at -0.75% & -0.25%
Andrew Lothian, DWF's Head of General Insurance Scotland and current Scottish Regional Representative of FOIL commented:
"It is disappointing that the statutory "further margin" imposed by the Scottish Government will have the effect of driving up the cost of claims in Scotland when compared with the rest of the UK. Those costs fall on Scottish taxpayers and policyholders. Insurers will now have to run separate systems for Scottish claims which will add further costs to the claims process. We will continue to argue for a fair system of compensation that reflects how claimants actually invest their damages awards and avoids over-compensation."
Contact
For more information please contact Andrew Lothian, Partner, T+44 131 474 2305, Andrew.Lothian@dwf.law.
