The Claims Standards Council (CSC) has denied speculation that it is to pass the regulation of claims management companies to the government and has also pledged to address the thorny issue of cold-calling.


The main debate at the CSC's conference earlier this month centred around threats from the government that it would step in if the industry did not take steps properly to regulate itself (see [2005] Gazette, 10 February, 1).



The CSC - the fledgling self-regulatory body - is calling on members of the sector to pay an annual membership fee to avoid legislation.



CSC spokesman Andy Wigmore told the Gazette it had received scores of enquiries from interested parties following the conference.



'We have had over 73 direct enquiries on membership from those who attended the conference,' he said.


'We have also had enquires from companies that are suppliers to personal injury law firms and claims management companies asking if they can actively support the principles behind the CSC by joining.'


As well as bringing paid-up members on board, the CSC is now focusing on researching and defining cold-calling with a view to imposing a ban. This will include investigations into whether restrictions on cold-calling are anti-competitive or not.


'We are conducting some research in this area and asking for guidance from the Citizens Advice Bureau and the Direct Marketing Association,' Mr Wigmore said.


'Both of these organisations have tremendous experience in this sector and remember some of the tactics that have been used to sell double glazing and timeshares. We are trying to ensure that, when the CSC calls for a ban on cold-calling, we are clear what that means.'


On claims management, the CSC will be holding a meeting next month to which personal injury solicitors have been invited.


Mr Wigmore said that, while the CSC was 'confident we will be able to continue and get this together', the funding requirement would be the main issue.