Tough approach to frivolous claims pays off for Manchester

A “zero-tolerance” policy to frivolous claims and an aggressive approach to investigating and challenging incidents has led to a fall in the number of successful legal actions against Manchester City Council, it has been claimed.

A report in the Manchester Evening News revealed that the council settled 353 claims in 2009/10 for an average of £5,159. The total compensation bill was £1.82m. Some 90% of claims were made by the public for personal injury.

This compared to 412 settled claims in 2008/9, when the overall number of claims made was lower. Some £2.17m was paid out during that period.

Cllr Jim Battle, deputy leader of Manchester, said: “On behalf of the people of Manchester, we robustly challenge all compensation claims and will continue to do so.”

He added: “Over the past year the number of successful claims against the council has fallen. This reflects our focus on the maintenance of streets and pavements.”

The Manchester Evening News cited an estimate by senior council sources that 95% of claims are settled without going to court.