Clause 13
Consumers, Estate Agents and Redress Bill
9:00 am
Lorely Burt (Shadow Minister (Small Business), Trade & Industry; Solihull, Liberal Democrat)
I beg to move amendment No. 53, in clause 13, page 9, line 41, at end add—
‘(8) If the Council refuses to investigate a complaint under subsection (4) it must write to the complainant as soon as reasonably possible, setting out—
(a) its decision not to investigate the complaint, and
(b) the reasons for its decision.’.
We have a two-handed situation on the Liberal-Democrat Benches, so I apologise in advance for any future confusion that we shall cause. I welcome you to the Chair, Mr. Caton, of this extremely well-mannered and productive Committee as it has so far proved to be.
The amendment is simple. It would introduce subsection (8) to ensure that, if the council refuses to investigate a complaint, the complainant is entitled to know in writing that it will not investigate the matter and the reason why it has taken that decision. Such a provision would be entirely reasonable and we look forward to hearing what other members of the Committee think of this sensible amendment.