A 'triage plus' process to ensure housing disputes are resolved in the most appropriate manner was proposed by the Law Commission last week.

Releasing an issues paper to seek views on how the system can be improved, the commission said the aim of the project is to get beyond the narrow issue of whether courts or tribunals should resolve such disputes.


The 'triage plus' process could be central to this, in which individual housing problems are diagnosed and referred to an appropriate resolution method.


Various methods of funding were suggested, such as using interest on tenancy deposits or insurance.


It said research found that too often, information and advice is sought too late, by which time the problem has reached crisis point. In addition, many of the groups that might benefit from information and advice are difficult to reach. There is also a 'huge number of bodies' operating in the area, making it hard to identify the full range of options.


Vivien Gambling, chairwoman of the Housing Law Practitioners Association, said the commission raised interesting questions, but she had concerns that the catalyst for the consultation was simply reducing costs. 'Our concern is to make sure the outcome doesn't make it harder for clients, many of whom are vulnerable, to get access to court, where that is required,' she said.


A Law Society spokeswoman said: 'We hope the project will enhance the right of access to a court and a fair hearing.'