Issue details

The proposed decision is to appoint two independent Barristers’ Chambers following a competitive tendering exercise. The two highest ranked Chambers will be appointed on a geographical basis - North and South of the borough – and operate the council’s new Disrepair Arbitration Scheme.

The Chambers will be appointed for a period of twelve-months at an estimated cost of £120,000.

The council’s new Disrepair Arbitration Scheme will provide its residents with a fairer and more equitable route to resolve their housing disrepair issues.

This alternative form of dispute resolution will be more straightforward than pursuing claims through a tribunal / court.

The Disrepair Arbitration Scheme will also ensure that residents get to keep all of their compensation award; and they will not be forced to sign up to conditional fee arrangements (often the case when solicitors are appointed to pursue a disrepair matter through the court system).