January 18, 2012
It’s good to talk
Figures just released reveal that the number of tenants who have successfully turned to mediation to help resolve anti-social behaviour (ASB) issues and neighbourhood disputes in the last twelve months has more than doubled compared to previous years.
The number of cases which have been referred by Plymouth Community Homes for independent mediation has increased from 18 in 2010 to 39 in 2011.
Since the council’s housing was transferred over to PCH in 2009, of the cases which entered into a full mediation process, 93% of all disputes reached an agreement.
PCH believes that ASB issues and tenant disputes can often be resolved by neighbours speaking to each other through mediation.
The mediation process is funded by PCH, thereby avoiding the courts and potentially lengthy and stressful legal battles.
Parties involved in a dispute do not have to meet face to face if they do not wish to.
Adam Stockman, a housing officer at Estover who referred a case for mediation last year, said: “We were seeking to resolve a long-running neighbour dispute. The issue was that neither party could really see eye to eye and appreciate the different lifestyle that their neighbour lived. This resulted in regular arguments and both parties were unhappy in their home.
“We were able to encourage the two neighbours to accept that rather than live in this hostile environment, the best way forward would be to talk to each other with a mediator present to keep the discussion moving in a positive direction. We referred the case for mediation and the two parties met.
“Together they came to an agreement which has resulted in both parties enjoying their home in a way that does not disturb the people living next to them.
“Mediation has meant that we have been able to resolve the dispute but still avoid an investigation and possible legal action.
“Ultimately now we have two residents who can enjoy their homes and their lives without the stress of being locked into a battle with their neighbour.”
The mediation process is always conducted confidentially with a neutral person (the mediator) assisting the parties in talking and listening to each other. The parties involved are in ultimate control of the negotiation, the decision on whether to settle, and the final terms of the agreement.
If you believe that you have an issue which needs resolving and you would be interested in discussing your options, speak to your housing officer or visit our independent mediation service website – www.derekfinchassociates.co.uk – to see if you think mediation could help. Referrals need to come through your housing officer.
