The government will legislate as soon as possible to give courts the power to order periodical payments in personal injury claims.
It has published the Courts Bill, which, if passed by parliament, will give the Lord Chancellor the power to make regulations to enable an award or agreement for periodical payments to be varied or reviewed.
This is likely to be controversial and such orders will only be made after a period of consultation.
The Bill will go before the House of Lords for its second reading on 9 December.
Lord David Hunt of the Wirral, of Beachcroft Wansbroughs, will speak in the House on the Bill.
Sections of the Bill will amend provisions in the Damages Act 1996 to give courts the power to order periodical payments for future loss and care costs without the consent of the parties.
At present the courts can only order periodical payments with the consent of both parties.
The Bill is also prevents the assignment of the right to receive payments unless the courts are satisfied that there are special circumstances making this necessary.
