No-win-no-fee access to compensation under threat?

No-win-no-fee access to compensation may be under threat, as the government is proposing an end to television advertisements in the sector.

Personal injury reparations can be claimed though the outcome-dependent payment schemes and some experts argue the system allows people of reduced means greater access to justice.

The Guardian reveals Lord Young of Graffham, who was commissioned by prime minister David Cameron to investigate health and safety laws and the so-called compensation culture, is expected to recommend an end to no-win-no-fee marketing on TV.

Legal expert Neil Rose reports details released under the Freedom of Information Act show the evidence does not support the banning of no-win-no-fee structures.

He notes four studies published since the beginning of the year found fees incurred through the referral system do not harm consumers, who benefit none-the-less from affordable access to legal assistance.

A paper by Sir Rupert Jackson argued referral fees should be banned and advocated a fixed fee for all cases worth up to £25,000.