Please does anybody know anything about the law on libel?

[Vivkins3]

We objected to a planning application for a proposed development opposite our house. We have had previous problems with this developer to the extent that he was warned by the police not to approach us again. He wrote to the council with a "response" to our objection - this was not so much a "response" as a character assassination - name calling, accusing my husband of trespass and saying he has scant regard for the law.

The council actually published that letter on their website. I want to hold them responsible for the libel as the hosts of the site. Please does anybody have any help for me?

[Vivkins3]

Thanks Eddie - yes I might try that too.

Bednobs - the less money the local Council have of mine the better. It grieves me that I am forced to contribute about £150 a month to the considerable salaries, pensions and perks of these people. If I can get some financial compensation from them, I'm going to be standing there with my grubby little mitt open as wide as it will go.

[bednobs]

lol fair enough - none of my business anyway :)

[NOX]

...and so to bed children- the real crux of the matter.... compensation- thought as much from the off when the lady wasn't listening to what people were telling her about a. why the coucil published it in the first place and b. why she was wasting her time about high court action about what is clearly a non event.
You might see the council as a cash cow to fund whatever it is you want to fund in your lifestyle, but some people (the elderly, disabled, children in need of support form social services etc) need the money a damned sight more than you do. The phrase 'Not on my doorstep' opportunist springs to mind.

[atalanta]

You may find it cheaper to write to the local newspaper, and maybe to get a local reporter involved.. A lot cheaper. Taking a case for libel to court can cost you tens of thousands of pounds, and the result may be an expensive disappointment.You have to be very clear that what was published was actual lies, such as an accusation of fraud, for instance, and not just vulgar abuse. If you are called a "cow" or a "pig" that is vulgar abuse, and courts will not act on it. A libel lawyer is likely to ask you to put up £10,000 up front even to think about beginning a case for libel.

[DTCwordfan]

Reading this thread through, NOx has a valid point about everything being down to cash.

If you are serious about the reputation angle, your letter of complaint (not the money side) to the council, your husbands letter to the local hounds, and ultimately the Local Ombudsman make sense.

I would also take counsel from a lawyer as the histroy does suggest some vindictive behaviour from the developer and there may be due cause for some action there, in the form of a restraining order. However, you will need to discuss this with the lawyer and produce all the evidence - and in a calm manner............

If this is all about your right to grab money off your council as you see them as a bottomless pit, then ignore all the wise counsel from ABers and I, personally am out of it. The good news in that is that you have very little case for compensation on that score.

[joko]

if you believe this could adversely affect your own business and put poeple off hiring you or whatever then id say you might have a case...

[Vivkins3]

I'm rather surprised at the comment about seeing the council as a cash cow.

When we became householders, we acquired a liability to pay rates - maybe it could be said that the Council sees householders as cash cows. So now, the boot being on the other foot, if the council have acquired a liability to pay US a sum of money, then we are jolly well going to make sure we get it.

Is there one single person here who wouldn't take money that was due to them? No? I thought not.

[bednobs]

but its not due to you?

[bushbaby_de]

I seriously doubt you will be awarded compensation - the Ombudsman will likely just reprimand the Council and advise them to read all comments before deciding whether to publish or not. By the way, even if its come off the website, anyone can ask to go in and view the file and read the whole unedited letter.

[joko]

i would suggest in order to put right your rep, go to the local papers and complain, hghlighing the councils rotten behviour

i think it stinks that the council would pointlessly publish some vindictive rant by a spiteful man. they must have known that the action odf publishing gives it credence and implies what is said is true...the average reader will assume its fact

i would kick up a fuss, name and shame

re the money, yes itd be nice for you but as stated i doubt you will get any - far more satisfactory to make an example of the council and the swine that wrote it