Consumers' claims limit raised to £3,000

SCOTS will be able to claim up to £3,000 through the courts under new measures announced yesterday to make it easier for consumers to fight back against cowboy goods or services.

The 750 small-claims limit has not been raised for 19 years, meaning consumers who want to get back money spent on faulty computers, holidays or three-piece suites have had to go through a much more expensive court procedure.

Thousands of bank customers trying to recover unfair charges have been forced to take action in England, where the limit on small claims is 5,000.

Kenny MacAskill, the justice secretary, said: "Hard-working Scots who have perfectly valid claims are currently being denied accessible justice due to the existence of an artificially low small claims limit."

Among other changes announced by Mr MacAskill, the limit for the next step up, an "ordinary cause" action, has been raised to 5,000.

The move was welcomed by the Scottish Consumer Council.