It is interesting from a 'Legal/Insurance' point of view.
A few years back I had a dropped kerb fitted outside myself. The 'official process' was to contact a contractor of the 'Approved Contractor' list - pay them an extortionate sum, and then pay the council £200 to check the work of the approved contractor that I had to use from their list.
As I installed block paved and tarmac drives in a previous life, I asked if it was OK to do it myself - I would then happily pay £200 for the council to check my work. However, I was told that I did not have the relevant insurances to a) work on the pavement/road and b) to cover any subsequent claims for damages. So I had to pay £1700 for a job that would have cost me about £150 DIY, and then pay to have it checked. I also suggested that the contractor should be paying the £200 to earn and maintain their place on the elusive list, but again computer said no.....
So I wonder how this gang of helpful and community spirited volunteers would be covered?
