The trial arrangement on returning the complaint fee when the complainant are supported by the body continues until further notice. The total funding scheme for the alternative resolution body will be considered during this year.
As from the establishment of the body in 2003, the costs have been covered partly through a complaint fee and partly through the general budget. Originally the complaint fee were not returned whatever result of the complaint process. The reason for this was that it was considered fair that the complainant should cover some of the costs, and that a fee would reduce improper use of the arrangement. At the same time it could be considered unfair that a complainant had to pay a fee when he was supported by the body.
As from January 1st 2008 we introduced a trial arrangement on returning the fee for complainants who had been supported by the body. The return trial did only take effect for these specific matters. The trial arrangement has been a success, and we have decided to continue until further notice.
As we are in a trial period, no policy changes will be made now. However, during this year we will go through the total funding scheme for the alternative resolution body and make policy changes according to the conclusions that will be drawn.