Fuel Rights Handbook 21st editionChapter 14: Remedies5. Using the civil courts Emergency legal representation
Back to previous
Chapter illustrations ()
Loading image navigation...
No image index could be found for this publication.
Close this Panel
Emergency legal representation
Assuming a legal aid provider can be found, it may be necessary to apply for emergency legal representation in many cases involving energy problems. An emergency certificate will only be granted if:
    •there is a risk to your physical safety or that of any family member or your home;
    •there is a significant risk of a miscarriage of justice, unreasonable hardship or irretrievable problems in handling the case;
    •there are no other appropriate options available to deal with the risk.
An emergency legal aid certificate lasts for four weeks, but it may be difficult to find a legal aid practice that will undertake such a case.
As an alternative, it may be simpler, and more appropriate, for you to begin a claim in the county court using the arbitration or small claims process. Most civil claims are unlikely to qualify for legal assistance if the amount claimed falls below £10,000. This means that you may have to act for yourself.