Review the legislation surrounding disrepair claims to prevent exploitation

Rejected 16 signatures

What the petition asks

The number of Disrepair Claims being filed against Local Authorities is increasing dramatically across the county, with some Councils reported to be spending millions on legal fees. The funds spent on settling claims could instead be invested in improving housing stock for Local Authority tenants.

To prevent exploitation of Local Authorities and depriving Local Authority tenants of funding towards repairs and programmed works, I propose that the legislation surrounding Disrepair Claims be reviewed. Similarly to 'crash-for-cash' car insurance claims, caps on legal fees should be put in situ to prevent legal firms capitalising on Housing Revenue Account funds. The Government should instead work with LAs to encourage programs of maintenance to prevent Disrepair and improve stock quality.

Why it was rejected

It was not clear what the petition asked the UK Government or Parliament to do.

Petitions need to call on the Government or Parliament to take a specific action.

We understand that you are concerned about disrepair claims against local authorities, but we're not sure if you want the Government to conduct a full review of legislation governing these claims, just put a cap on legal costs for these claims, or do something else.

You could start a new petition explaining clearly what you would like the Government or Parliament to do.

Timeline

2 Feb 2022	Petition opened for signatures
8 Feb 2022	Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 16

Status Rejected

Rejected 8 Feb 2022

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