QC joins Ogden Tables group

A committee which plays a vital role in setting the level of damages awards throughout the UK is to be joined by a member of the Faculty of Advocates.

Andrew Smith QC, has been invited on to the Ogden Working Party, as it prepares to start work on the 8th edition of the Ogden Tables.

First published in 1984 and named after Sir Michael Ogden QC, then chair of the working party, the actuarial tables are used in calculating awards for future loss in personal injury and fatal accident cases.

The Government Actuary’s Department prepares the Ogden Tables, and members of the working party include actuaries, lawyers, accountants, academics and statisticians.

“Those involved in personal injury work will be aware of recent proposed changes to the ‘discount rate’ which, if implemented, will alter the amount of damages to be paid for future losses,” said Mr Smith.

“This will be one of the issues to be considered by the working party, and I am honoured to have been asked to play a part in its work.”