An update regarding the login details for solicitors and the RaPID scheme – now with added helpdesk:

Additional Portal Support Services

A further Helpline has been put in place to assist users having log in problems or where passwords are not working. The Helpline number is: 0207 265 5753 and will be manned from 9-5pm, by IDSL.

The helpline has been set up in addition to the email support available at supportATrtapiclaimsprocess.org.uk All queries emailed to the support address will receive a specific response within 24 hours.

For technical queries please email helpATrapidclaimsettlement.org.uk

Registrations Update

Work continues to clear the registration back log, and IDSL acknowledges the frustrations caused by the delays. In recognising concerns over the delay, an extra independent project resource has been tasked to investigate and assist in redressing the backlog. As a result of the initial work, previous information on timeframes for clearing the backlog require revising, and work is underway to provide a concrete timeframe for clearing the remaining backlog.

In addition, it was identified that a batch of logins were issued 12th May, which included some incorrect details, resulting in some passwords not working. This was due to an administrative processing error which has since been rectified by CRIF. The Administrators of those organisations affected will be contacted by the CRIF Helpdesk to advise when their login details will work, and it is anticipated that this will be completed by Tuesday 24th May.

Please contact the Helpline number above or supportATrtapiclaimsprocess.org .uk as we have found that login detail emails have been caught in the spam filter of some organisations.

All new registrations received from 19th May will take a maximum of 5 working days for log in details to be forwarded.

****IMPORTANT NOTE FROM ABI****

Interpretation of when VAT payable

There are reports that some compensators are refusing to pay VAT on the stage 1 fixed costs in the process, instead stating that this is payable in stage 2. The Civil procedure rules for the process (at rule 45.29 (6)) refer to VAT being payable on the fixed costs listed in Table A. this should be interpreted as meaning that VAT is payable at each stage, rather than an alternative interpretation. Claimant and defendant stakeholder representatives are agreed on this and advise that the practice of refusing to pay VAT on stage one costs is an incorrect interpretation of the rules.

Although it is reassuring to note that a back log has been acknowledged, it’s perhaps not so if you were either a) sent the incorrect Login details b) your email was marked as Spam.

By Stephen Higham, solicitor

I have already blogged about the number of issues caused by the new system for PI solicitors, insurers and the Ministry of Justice; (whisper it) ‘RaPId’ claims.

The exit-ing government ironically labelled the scheme ‘RaPID’ and (as with most IT schemes set up by them over the years) it has spectacularly failed. The scheme has already been postponed due to the secure website not being completed in time but rather than arranging for all the work to be completed in a timely and usable fashion, only an extra 24 days were granted.

As a result of the government steamroller, road traffic accident claims which occur after 30 April 2010 and fit the criteria must now proceed via the internet ‘portal’. This is a secure website, protected by individual usernames and passwords for solicitors and insurers. Without these log in details, claims cannot proceed.

However, there are a plenty of solicitors who are still waiting for their username’s and passwords to be issued even though the actual scheme has now been mandatory for over 2 weeks.

An e-mail from support@rtapiclaimsprocess.org.uk sent on 13 May 2010 only adds to the confusion. In it, solicitors who have yet to sign up are urged to do so as the normal process can take up to 5 working days for claimant lawyer organizations. But in the same e-mail it says “For both insurer and claimant organisations who registered before the 30th of April, you can expect to receive your login details shortly”. So which is it? Over 2 weeks (for those who registered in time) or only 5 working days (for those who didn’t)?

If those running the scheme don’t know what’s happening, what chances have claimant solicitors and insurers got?

The government’s planners also failed to think the practicalities of the scheme through. As a result, accident victims and their solicitors will suffer increased delays and costs, while getting paid less under a new fixed costs regime.

This scheme was an unnecessary, time consuming mistake. It was forced through by an insurance lobby that is relentless in their abuse of innocent accident victims and the pursuit of profit.

I can only hope that things improve quickly. Innocent accident victims have already suffered enough.