What's wrong with the Weathertight service?

The Weathertight Homes Resolution Service opened in early 2003 to provide homeowners with a "speedy, cost-effective" way of resolving leaky home disputes. But its legislation was rushed and the service has proved hopelessly inadequate.

The key failings:

* Backlog of claims: More than 4000 received, just 530 resolved in 40 months.

* Process can take two years or more; owners worn down by delaying tactics.

* Inadequate assessments; settlements fund half the cost of repairs.

* Owners pressured in confidential mediation; details kept secret from future buyers.

* Folded companies can't be touched.

* Cannot claim legal costs.

* Cannot claim for non-weathertightness defects.

* Ten-year limit on claims.

* Adjudicator powers limited.