It appears that a cabinet minister has pledged to assist residents in East Lancashire and the wider north of England who are facing substantial bills due to failed compensation claims related to cavity wall insulation schemes. Over 1,400 clients of Sheffield-based SSB Law have been affected by the collapse of the legal firm, leaving them with significant financial burdens. The promise from the cabinet minister indicates a commitment to support these residents and address the challenges they are facing as a result of the situation with SSB Law.
The collapse of SSB Law and the subsequent demands for repayment have affected individuals such as Yusuf Patel from Blackburn, Diane Longworth from Burnley, and the 77-year-old mother of Sean Wilkes from Burnley. Royal and Sun Alliance, the insurer involved, has stated that it is pursuing the recovery of court-awarded costs related to unsuccessful actions brought by SSB Law, but it has temporarily halted any enforcement measures. The Solicitors Regulation Authority has confirmed that it is conducting an investigation into the matter. Burnley Conservative MP Antony Higginbotham brought up the issue in Parliament, addressing Leader of the Commons Penny Mordaunt.
During Business Questions, he informed her: “Tens of thousands of pounds—that is the bill that has landed at the door of a number of my constituents, and according to a report, the constituents of MPs across the north of England.
“The bills relate to cavity wall insulation that residents had installed using a government grant.
“That cavity wall insulation was defective, and caused damp, mould, and damage to property.
“When no win, no fee lawyers got in touch, residents took up the offer. That proceeded through the courts.
“They were told that they would not have to pay, but a law firm based in Sheffield, SSB Law, has now collapsed.
“There was no insurance policy for residents, and they have now been hit with legal costs because of its collapse.”
Mr. Higginbotham expressed his gratitude and stated that he would continue to support his constituents in pursuing justice through complaints to the legal ombudsman and the Solicitors Regulation Authority.Mr. Higginbotham expressed his intention to reach out to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to explore potential assistance through existing community regeneration schemes. He highlighted the urgency of the situation, emphasizing that the financial demands placed on affected residents are substantial and often require immediate payment, causing significant distress and financial strain.