Disability Discrimination Act 1995

Valid from 01/09/2007

17 (1) In any proceedings on a claim under section 31ADA in which a question arises as to whether a general qualifications body has failed to comply with the duty imposed by section 31AD by failing to make an alteration to premises occupied by the general qualifications body under a lease—

(a) the claimant (or pursuer in Scotland), or

(b) the general qualifications body concerned,

may ask the court to direct that the lessor be joined (or sisted) as a party to the proceedings.

(2) The request shall be granted if it is made before the hearing of the claim begins.

(3) The court may refuse the request if it is made after the hearing of the claim begins.

(4) The request may not be granted if it is made after the court has determined the claim.

(5) Where a lessor has been so joined (or sisted) as a party to the proceedings, the court may determine—

(a) whether the lessor has—

(i) refused consent to the alteration, or

(ii) consented subject to one or more conditions, and

(b) if so, whether the refusal or any of the conditions was unreasonable.

(6) If, under sub-paragraph (5), the court determines that the refusal or any of the conditions was unreasonable, it may take one or more of the following steps—

(a) make such declaration as it considers appropriate;

(b) make an order authorising the general qualifications body to make the alteration specified in the order;

(c) order the lessor to pay compensation to the claimant or pursuer.

(7) An order under sub-paragraph (6)(b) may require the general qualifications body to comply with the conditions specified in the order.

(8) If the court orders the lessor to pay compensation it may not order the general qualifications body to do so.