Overview

The Personal Responsibility Bill aims to shift more responsibility onto individuals for the consequences of their actions and any lack of common sense, limiting compensation claims unless a clear breach of duty of care by another party or a deliberate act caused the injury.

Description

This bill introduces a "principle of personal responsibility" into both civil and criminal law. It amends existing legislation:

• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974: The bill adds a clause stating that this Act shouldn't impose liability for injuries avoidable through common sense.
• Law Reform (Contributory Negligence) Act 1945: It adds a provision that no damages are recoverable if the injured party's fault was a failure to use common sense.

Essentially, the bill makes it harder to sue for damages if the injury or damage was in part due to one's own lack of common sense.

Government Spending

The bill is expected to reduce government spending on compensation claims. Exact figures are not provided in the bill text, but it aims to decrease the burden on the public purse by limiting successful lawsuits related to accidents or injuries stemming from a lack of personal responsibility.

Groups Affected

• Individuals involved in accidents or incidents: Those who experience injury or damage might find it harder to successfully claim compensation, particularly if their own actions or lack of common sense contributed to the incident.
• Insurers: Insurers may see reduced payouts and potentially lower premiums.
• Legal professionals: Lawyers specializing in personal injury claims might experience a decrease in workload.

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