The benefits of replacing solicitors with housing staff are not just financial.

Having recently dispensed with costly legal services in all but the most complex cases, we are now able to process antisocial behaviour orders more quickly and efficiently without jeopardising the outcome in court. Tenants are benefiting from a reduction in delays and we have noticed an increase in empowerment and motivation among housing staff who now have control over the entire process.

In addition, feedback from the courts suggests that judges appreciate dealing directly with people who know a case inside out. So the government is right to encourage this trend and we hope their plans for help with training for staff will be rolled out as soon as possible.

Karen Wilson, chief executive St Pancras & Humanist Housing Association, part of Origin Housing Group

Source

Housing Today