I have come across a peculiarity when it comes to public bodies spending money which can be recharged back to individuals.
To help you grasp what may appear complex at first, some context is required. I apologise this may be a bit geeky, but try to bear with me. Just as important it may help you learn from the lessons of Edinburgh.
A council can serve a statutory improvement notice on a property owner and subsequently recharge the owner for any repairs carried out as a result of the owner's failure to carry out the repairs. Of course the owner can opt to carry out the work themselves, but sometimes the owner cannot be found in sufficient time and the council, therefore take on the role of agent, getting the work done and then pursuing the owner for the costs.
There are two potentially opposing pressures on the agent. One the need to get the work done as soon as possible to protect the property or neighbouring properties. The other the need to ensure that, acting on behalf of the owner (who may not be traceable), the 'price is right'.
One way of trying to achieve those twin objectives is to put in place a framework agreement which can be drawn upon - not always as easy as it sounds. Of course not every council recognises the need to save the owner money or, if that money is not recovered, it is a cost incurred by the council and, as those un-recoupoed aggregated costs can up to a lot of dosh (in Edinburgh's case (£27m).
I hope that sets some context. And so to the suggestions regarding Edinburgh reported today.
