We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.

This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING: Hello Forumites! In order to help keep the Forum a useful, safe and friendly place for our users, discussions around non-MoneySaving matters are not permitted per the Forum rules. While we understand that mentioning house prices may sometimes be relevant to a user's specific MoneySaving situation, we ask that you please avoid veering into broad, general debates about the market, the economy and politics, as these can unfortunately lead to abusive or hateful behaviour. Threads that are found to have derailed into wider discussions may be removed. Users who repeatedly disregard this may have their Forum account banned. Please also avoid posting personally identifiable information, including links to your own online property listing which may reveal your address. Thank you for your understanding.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
The Forum now has a brand new text editor, adding a bunch of handy features to use when creating posts. Read more in our how-to guide
We're aware that some users are currently experiencing errors on the Forum. Our tech team is working to resolve the issue. Thanks for your patience.

Advice on claim against local council pls

simonj123
simonj123 Posts: 8 Forumite
Part of the Furniture First Post Combo Breaker
edited 9 September 2024 at 11:57AM in House buying, renting & selling
Hi all,

Would really appreciate some pointers on a money claim I'm likely to pursue with my local council, as follows:

Situation

Rented home to local council, who duly let this to tenants, who then caused £000's damage to windows.

I raised this with the council immediately on reoccupying the property and for the last few years, yes years (long story), I have been going from one director to another, finally the Chief trying to get them to honour their tenancy. I've done the LBA and now doing the claim as a next step.

I have strong evidence, in the letters sent, email trail and what I feel is the killer, a time dated photo showing clearly the damage, so I'm confident I have a case.

What concerns me, is the potential for escalating costs, which for a claim I have filed under £3k is a consideration. If I add interest, it takes it to nearer £5k, but I'm reluctant to add this even though I'm well within my rights as compensation alone many would say, as I just want judgement to effectively say ' just pay the man' and stop being jerks' to the council and feel if I claim for more the judge may perceive it more of a money grab.

My questions I would appreciate some help with are:

1. My understanding of likely costs are initial fee, arrangement fee and hearing fee. Are there other's I need to be aware of ?

2.  I know how long is a piece of proverbial string but do most judges want a quick decision and can they see clearly when a case seems straightforward, as I believe mine is ? 

3. On principal, the council should be held accountable but principal doesn't pay the bills nor is it necessarily valued in English law in my experience. Do others belireve this should be pursued?

4. Is there anything else others suggest I need to be aware of?


Many thanks in advance for any input

Simon


Comments

Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 354.5K Banking & Borrowing
  • 254.4K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 455.4K Spending & Discounts
  • 247.4K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 604.2K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 178.5K Life & Family
  • 261.6K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.7K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.