The CICV Forum has welcomed the launch of a new fast-track summary adjudication process for low-value disputes, complete with a capped adjudicator’s fee.

As the economic effect of the Covid-19 impacts severely on the construction industry, many contractors in the smaller end of the market are struggling to access dispute resolution even under the reduced cost of Low Value Adjudication process.

As a specific response to the needs of the industry, Forum member the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is now offering summary adjudication for claims below £20,000, for an initial limited period until the end of July.

Parties can apply for the nomination of a qualified adjudicator who will be able to deliver a summary decision, with outline reasons only, restricted to one A4 page, within 14 days of referral. There will be no inspection or site visit involved and the fee will be capped at £1,000 plus VAT. 

Alan Wilson, Chair of the CICV Forum and Managing Director of SELECT, said: “The Forum welcomes the initiative by the RICS to introduce a very fast adjudication process for low-value disputes with a very restricted adjudicator’s fee. The supply chain in Scotland will welcome this initiative.”

Dr John Fletcher, Director of Dispute Resolution at RICS, added: “RICS DRS is responding proactively to the current market and user feedback. As the largest adjudicator nominating body in the UK, we believe we should do what we can to provide much needed relief to the SMEs most badly affected. I am deeply grateful to the skilled adjudicators on the RICS President’s Panel who have volunteered to staff this service at the hugely reduced rates involved.”

To apply for the nomination of an adjudicator under this scheme, complete and return the summary adjudication application form.  There is an application fee of £250 + VAT for this type of nomination.

For further information, see the RICS website, email DRS or call: +44 (0) 20 7334 3806.