Figures from the Claims Management Regulation Unit (CMRU) show that the number of registered companies handling personal injury claims fell from 2,435 in March 2012 to 1,700 in June this year due to the introduction of tougher laws, the government has said. In April, new laws were introduced on no win, no fee deals, which also put a ban on referral fees between lawyers and claims management firms. Justice Minister Helen Grant said “Ending these fees which fuelled a growing compensation culture has been an important step to reducing the cost of living for ordinary people – who have ultimately been footing the bill for them through their insurance premiums.”CMRU is part of the Ministry of Justice and is responsible for regulating companies which handle claims and pursue cases for compensation. In 2012-13, the regulator cancelled the trading licences of 211 companies and issued formal warnings to another 285. Kevin Rousell, head of the CMRU, said: “We do not tolerate bad practice and continue to take action against companies which break the rules, including removing their licence to trade.”The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.Setfords Solicitors are a national full service law firm, with personal injury solicitors in Cambridge and across the country.