‘Blame and claim' is now part of our national culture according to research by Norwich Union.
The survey, which claims to be the first in-depth survey into compensation culture, claims that 96% of Brits think we are more likely to seek compensation today than we were a decade ago. Three-quarters of us are concerned about the impact of the ‘blame and claim' culture but half say they are more likely to claim compensation.
Norwich Union director of claims David Hooker said: “The research reveals a disparity in what people think about the compensation system, and how they act.
“What's more worrying is that successive generations express less concern about the impact of a ‘blame and claim' culture, and this shift, if left unchecked, could mean the nation's compensation bill continuing to rise.”
Blame for the rise in compensation is put down to the influence of US culture and TV advertising raising people's expectations. A third of people surveyed think such advertising should be banned.
Other ideas on what should be done include prosecuting people who make false claims and limiting both compensation entitlements and what lawyers are paid.
According to the Institute of Actuaries every year £10billion is paid out in compensation claims, costing £500 per household.
Hooker said: “This issue needs urgent engagement from government, individuals and business. If we don't do something now, the public will have to foot an ever increasing bill, and our public services will suffer irrevocable harm.”

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