Local News 
Hedge wars - what price justice? [June 1st 2005]
£400, if the Conservative group of Hertsmere Council has its way.
From the 1st June 2005 Councils have the power to intervene in disputes between neighbours over high hedges. The bill, originally opposed by Tory MPs, allowed Councils to charge a reasonable fee for this service if they thought it was appropriate. This was to deter frivolous claims and protect Council finances.
However the Tories in Hertsmere have decided to charge a minimum of £400 for each case. The maximum fine that can be imposed for failure to comply with this legislation is only £1000. Furthermore, there will be no concessions for the low waged or pensioners on a low income, unlike many other Councils.
Leader of the Labour Group on Hertsmere Council said
"This is just another example of the petty nature of the Conservatives in Hertsmere. This is a good provision, which allows people to finally resolve these difficult and sometimes intractable disputes for the first time. But to be effective it must be accessible to everyone. For the people who have been plagued by this problem, these exorbitant changes will just be another kick in the teeth".
"There is no compulsion in the law that Councils must impose a fee. To charge someone nearly half the amount of the maximum fine possible for this offence is frankly ludicrous. For those who are on very low incomes they are effectively removed from the legal process. The Conservatives must reconsider this wretched policy".
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