Hi all, I note within the Guidelines the following:
“Council policies should include Informal Dispute Resolution options. Timely mediation to resolve debt informally, prior to filing in court, benefits both councils and the ratepayers. It is effective and efficient best practice.”
It also refers to options for mediation and informal dispute resolution including Community Justice Centres, Professional Mediators and solicitors and Internal Ombudsmen.
Is anyone seriously considering including Informal Dispute Resolution options within their policies? I cannot see in practical terms how in the hell this can work without chewing up a huge amount of Council resources and simply delaying the inevitable legal action which will be required to recover the debt.
Appreciate your thoughts
Cheers
Mick
