Anna Vollans, founder of Vollans Mediation, recently attended a Family Mediation Week event, where an important announcement was made by Lord Ponsonby, Under Secretary of State for Justice. In front of an audience of leading family mediators and legal professionals, Lord Ponsonby confirmed that the government’s Mediation Voucher Scheme will be extended for another year. This announcement has been warmly welcomed across the mediation community as it reinforces the government’s commitment to promoting cost-effective and amicable dispute resolution.
The Mediation Voucher Scheme, introduced as part of the Ministry of Justice’s efforts to reduce court backlogs and encourage peaceful conflict resolution, has provided critical financial support to families navigating challenging disputes. Each voucher offers up to £500 towards the cost of mediation, enabling parties to resolve family issues such as child arrangements and financial agreements without the need for prolonged court proceedings.
Anna says “the extension of the Mediation Voucher Scheme is fantastic news for families and mediators alike. It makes mediation more accessible to those who need it most and highlights the government’s recognition of its effectiveness in resolving disputes constructively”.
Since its launch, the Mediation Voucher Scheme has been a transformative initiative, helping thousands of families achieve workable solutions while saving time and stress. The scheme’s extension ensures that families in England and Wales will continue to benefit from subsidised mediation services, promoting quicker, less confrontational resolutions.
At Vollans Mediation we’re committed to raising awareness of the life-changing potential of mediation. With the government’s continued support, the future of family mediation in the UK is brighter than ever.