ALMOST 100 council house tenants are locked in legal disputes over the state of their homes - and a report into disrepair rows revealed a sharp increase in claims being lodged.
As of December 2024, there were 92 live - or ongoing - legal cases owing to disrepair.
Between April and November last year, 118 disrepair claims were received, which is a 28 per cent increase compared to claims in 2023/24 where 92 were received.
Historically, the average settlement cost of a disrepair cost is £2,550, but this excludes the amount of any remediation works and staff costs associated with the processing of claims.
Alongside legal fees, expert reports and the cost of repairs, the estimated actual costs of claims can, in some cases, exceed £10,000.
The findings, which will be discussed by Barnsley Council’s ruling cabinet members on Wednesday before a new disrepair policy is rubber-stamped, said it was a tenant’s right to challenge a landlord - in this case Berneslai Homes, who act as the local authority’s arms-length management organisation.
It added: “It should be noted that there has been an increased focus on housing disrepair following the publication of high-profile housing disrepair cases in the sector and wider media campaigns.
“Whilst the reporting of housing disrepair issues is encouraged by Barnsley Council and Berneslai Homes, so that any repairs issues can be swiftly actioned, it is concerning that there has been a noticeable rise of ‘claims farmers’ who encourage tenants to make disrepair claims by proactively approaching residents via telephone, letters, TV, radio advertising and doorstep knocking on targeted streets.
“It is a right that tenants challenge their landlord when there are failings - adopting a disrepair policy will mean the process is more robust and focused, allowing teams to appropriately scrutinise claims.
“Officers will continue to monitor disrepair performance and raise any concerns with cabinet members when applicable.
“The resources set aside to fund disrepair is set at £500,000 per annum.
“Claims have been rising, year on year, with a two-year average of £200,000 per year.
“Registered cases in the claims system to date have an estimated liability of £600,000.
“Without a disrepair policy there is exposure to increased costs through legal fees and contractor fees.
“The influx of disrepair claims can result in increased settlement fees which pose a risk to the already stretched budget.
“Since 2020, over £500,000 has been paid in settlement payments which could have been spent on other essential services.”
The council will also use almost £3m from next year’s budget to address a backlog of hundreds of ‘urgent’ housing repairs in its 18,000-strong stock.
Ruling cabinet members previously released £2.8m from the housing revenue account for 2025/26.
The funding will primarily be used to address a backlog of works including adaptations, such as level-access showers, stairlifts and essential home conversions which had been delayed due to budget constraints.
By bringing forward the funding, the council say the backlog of tenants waiting for repairs should be cleared, without the delays that would typically carry over into the next financial year.
Coun Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: “We want all our tenants to live in a safe, warm and welcoming environment and the £2.8m will enable us to carry out essential repairs and adaptations.
“These additional resources will enable us to accelerate the completion of these works in the year reducing the amount of accumulated works rolling over for delivery in 2025/26.
“This will ensure a better service provision is provided for those tenants awaiting works.”
