Legal Services for Debt Recovery and Damage Claims

Cadent Gas is seeking a single legal services supplier to manage two integrated workstreams: debt and damage claims recovery. Workstream 1 - Legal Support Services covers recovery of contractual debts (connection works, diversions, operational services), theft of gas claims under the Gas Act 1986, plant protection costs, and miscellaneous invoices. The supplier will also defend third-party claims including small claims and general litigation. Key responsibilities include full lifecycle case management (merits assessment, litigation strategy, advocacy, alternative dispute resolution, enforcement), providing evidence-based advice on recovery prospects using propensity-to-pay scoring and financial intelligence, and recommending appropriate enforcement mechanisms (charging orders, attachment of earnings). Expected volume: approximately 30 small claims per month (under £5,000) and 20-30 ongoing high-value matters (some reaching £100,000-£2 million). Workstream 2 - Damage Claims involves managing recovery of damages to Cadent's assets and limited defence of third-party claims. This includes negligence-based damage claims, statutory claims under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, Health and Safety Executive non-compliance claims, and Gas Act claims. Low-value claims (below £10,000) require debt recovery or full legal action; high-value claims (over £10,000) typically follow Pre-Action Protocol for Construction and Engineering Disputes. Expected volume: approximately 550 low-value debt recovery claims annually, 132 full legal action claims, and 10-15 high-value claims per year. The supplier must demonstrate strong litigation and recovery experience, maintain robust case management systems, and provide transparent invoicing and strategic advice. Cadent will provide access to case management systems (SAP, Evoclaim) and costing systems (Apperio) as required.