Pubcos to be 'named and shamed'
The first cases of pubcos being 'named and shamed' for breaching their codes of practice with tenants are to be published on-line in one month's time.
Details of a handful of cases are to be published on the website of BIIBAS, which is responsible for accrediting the new pubco codes, after a meeting of the BIIBAS steering group yesterday.
BIIBAS chief executive Neil Robertson said: "Once a breach is confirmed, the company has one month to appeal then it goes on the website.
"There will be some in a month's time following the meeting."
He said there were "fewer than five" breaches in the first batch. They occurred between October, when the new codes were implemented, and December 2010.
Robertson said that any appeal "would need to throw up new information" to be successful.
He was optimistic that the new codes are having a positive impact, saying: "We are having a good response from the companies in finding resolutions where potential breaches are brought forward."
Robertson added: "We were dealing with a lot of cases. Most of those related to allegations prior to the current codes [being implemented].
"We certainly found some worrying treatment of tenants, which would not be possible under the new codes. It was interesting to see that, because it shows the new codes are changing the behaviour.
"It's early days for the new codes. We are urging people that if in doubt, come forward. It's all taken confidentially."
• BIIBAS can be contacted by emailing orapuznexvat@ovv.bet.
