East Anglian councils forced to pay out thousands after accidents and injuries

Posted 05/05/2010

New figures released under the Freedom of Information Act have revealed that East Anglian councils are being forced to pay out hundreds of thousands of pounds in compensation to residents after accidents and damage to properties.

According to the Eastern Daily Press, Norfolk County Council has paid almost £4.3 million in compensation over the past three years, including remuneration for a fatal car crash.

Meanwhile, Cambridgeshire’s total came to £800,000. The figures show that solicitors in East Anglia are dealing with claims ranging from damage to clothing caused by refuse collectors to injuries caused by potholes.

John Baldwin, a spokesperson for Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “If we have failed by not meeting the appropriate standards then it is only right we pay compensation … the severity of an injury or incident increases the sum paid out.”

Broken roads are currently an increasing hazard to British motorists. According to Potholes.co.uk, they are the subject of more than £50 million worth of compensation claims each year.