Business

Judgment figures fall to record lows in Northern Ireland

Judgements in Northern Ireland fell again in the first half of this year
Judgements in Northern Ireland fell again in the first half of this year Judgements in Northern Ireland fell again in the first half of this year

THE number and total value of debt judgments in the north fell to record lows in the first half of 2019, according to the latest figures.

Between January and June there were 3,721 defaults and small claims judgments, according to the Registry Trust. That's 19 per cent down on 2018.

The total value fell by 16 per cent to £7.8 million, though the average value increased by four per cent to £2,094.

There were 30 High Court judgments over the period, five fewer than in 2018, and their value fell by 19 per cent to £2.3 million (an average of £77,935).

The total value of judgments in the first half of the year in all courts in Northern Ireland was £10.1m compared with £12.2m in the first half of 2018.

Some 3.33 per cent of judgments were marked as satisfied, which contrasts with a 13.88 per cent satisfaction rate in England and Wales.

Registry Trust deputy chairman Mick McAteer said: “Although concerns have been expressed about the robustness of the Northern Ireland economy during this period of pre-Brexit uncertainty, this latest analysis showing significant falls in judgments paints a more positive picture.

"But it's too early to reach conclusions as these falls could represent legacy problems falling out of the system. We will continue to monitor the data to see if these improvements are sustained.”

The Registry Trust, which collects information on defaults and small claims judgments, as well as High Court judgments, said it received 19,861 requests to search the register at www.trustonline.org.uk during the first half of 2019.

Mr McAleer added “We've upgraded TrustOnline to make it mobile friendly. It is now cheap, quick and efficient to enquire about whoever you transact with. If there's a judgment on their record, think twice.”