Simon Ridding recently acted for a direct access client and her daughter in judicial review proceedings arising from a local authority's failure to carry out necessary disability adaptations to their home.

The claimants had lived in their social housing property for more than 20 years. It was alleged that, despite longstanding knowledge of the family's disabilities, the local authority had failed over a number of years to make the adaptations required to meet their needs.

Judicial review proceedings were issued, and the matter was listed for a final hearing in the High Court. The claim advanced grounds including unlawfulness, irrationality, procedural unfairness, and breaches of the European Convention on Human Rights and the Equality Act 2010.

On the eve of the final hearing, Simon successfully negotiated and finalised a detailed settlement on behalf of his clients. The settlement included the payment of substantial damages together with an agreement that the necessary adaptation works would commence.

This outcome brought long-running litigation to a close and secured both compensation and practical relief for the family through the implementation of the required works.