URL: https://democracy.dacorum.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2679

Decision Maker: Chief Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: Background: The Council has experienced a rise in disrepair claims in recent years, driven in part by the growing number of legal firms promoting ‘No Win, No Fee’ housing disrepair cases. As a result, the Council is now managing an average of around 90 open cases at any given time. This work was previously supported by Hertfordshire County Council under the Legal Shared Service Pilot, which came to an end in 2024/25. The Council’s in-house Legal team comprises two litigation solicitors who also manage injunctions, prosecutions, judicial reviews and broader casework. As a result, there is insufficient capacity to absorb disrepair litigation within the Legal team. To meet statutory deadlines and manage the increasing volume of disrepair litigation, the Council engaged Sellick Partnership under the CCS Framework to provide additional legal capacity. Disrepair casework continues to place significant pressure on the service, and Legal Services have confirmed that without this additional resource the team would be unable to meet demand, resulting in increased legal, financial and reputational risk. Reason: The current interim Disrepair Lawyer, supplied by Sellick Partnership, has been in post since January 2025 and was appointed via the CCS Non-Clinical Staffing Framework. The Council are currently dealing with legal disrepair cases with around 90 open cases at any one time. Given the scale and complexity of the caseload, there is insufficient capacity within Legal Services to manage disrepair claims without continued agency support. The initial proposal is to extend the role for a further eight months, after which the position and caseload will be reviewed to determine whether any additional extensions are required

Content:

Date of Decision: August 20, 2026