BII chief wants government cash for rent service

A cut-price rent adjudication scheme should be financed by the government, according to BII chief Neil Robertson.

The group's council is set to discuss plans for the Independent Expert Determination Service on Thursday.

If plans are approved it give licensees access to an independent rent expert for around £1,000 to help settle disputes with landlords.

Pub companies would also be able to use the service at roughly double the cost.

BII chief executive Neil Robertson said the BII provided information about the service following a request after the Business and Enterprise Committee (BEC) sessions into pubco power last year.

"This is to be discussed at council on Thursday and there will be strong opinions on both sides. My advice is to not actually make a decision this time because it is a government question.

"They came back and asked us about it. I think it is a good idea but the question is how and who will pay for it?"

It is expected to cost around £100,000 a year to administer the scheme that could potentially help hundreds of licensees a year.

Robertson added: "I say to the government if you are interested in this you should pay for it. It will only cost £100,000 - that's a small gesture to make."

He added he was also keen for other trade bodies, to get involved in the running of the service.

Meanwhile Robertson told The Publican​ that the BII's recent announcement of members support for minimum pricing was part of a wider change in direction which will see the group "reflect" members views more often in the public arena.

"We are not using the terms 'lobby' or 'representation' but we will be doing more to reflect members' concerns," he said.