Ministers drop plan for non-jury fraud trials

The government has dropped plans to introduce non-jury trials in complex fraud cases, it was reported today.

Opposition in the Lords from Liberal Democrat and Conservative peers has forced ministers to reconsider the plan which was due to be voted on next Tuesday.

A compromise will now be drawn up, it was reported in the Financial Times.

A Norwich Union report published today claims that fraud totals £16bn every year in the UK, rising 15% in the last five years.

The insurer estimates fraud costs the average household £650, or £340 per adult, each year.