From today, in Extremadura, claims over unlawful mortgage ground clauses can only be filed in 2 courts dedicated for that purpose. Number 2 in Mérida and number 5 in Cáceres. They will exclusively be in charge of settling disputes over ground clauses or mortgage set-up costs. The lawyers involved in these cases say that it will prolong the process and benefit banks. The Extremaduran Consumers Union takes the same view, pointing out that the centralisation of claims will bring the courts to a standstill and make things very difficult for those who have to travel to Cáceres or Mérida. The General Council of the Judiciary has committed to building up the workforce at the courts based on the number of claims filed.