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Hampshire County Council v Beer (T/A Hammer Trout Farm); Regina (Beer) v Hampshire Farmers’ Market Ltd: CA 21 Jul 2003

The applicant had been refused a licence to operate within the farmer’s market. It sought judicial review of the rejection, but the respondent argued that it was a private company not susceptible to review. Held: The decisions of the Farmers Market were open to judicial review. The farmers markets were held on publicly owned land … Continue reading Hampshire County Council v Beer (T/A Hammer Trout Farm); Regina (Beer) v Hampshire Farmers’ Market Ltd: CA 21 Jul 2003

The Confederation of Passenger Transport UK v The Humber Bridge Board and the Secretary of State for Transport Local Government and the Regions: CA 25 Jun 2003

Regulations specifying the tolls for the Humber Bridge did not mention a charge for large buses. Held: The same rules had to be applied in construing statutory instruments as applied in construing statutes. The explanatory note issued with the Regulation made it clear beyond peradventure that the ommission was a clerical error, and the Regulation … Continue reading The Confederation of Passenger Transport UK v The Humber Bridge Board and the Secretary of State for Transport Local Government and the Regions: CA 25 Jun 2003

Appleby and Others v The United Kingdom: ECHR 6 May 2003

The claimants sought to demonstrate against a development in their home town. The respondents who owned the shopping mall which dominated the town centre, refused to allow them to demonstrate in the mall or to distribute protesting leaflets. The claimants complained of interference with their rights to free speech and expression, saying a public authority … Continue reading Appleby and Others v The United Kingdom: ECHR 6 May 2003

Cinderella Rockerfellas Ltd v Rudd (Valuation Officer): CA 11 Apr 2003

The taxpayer appealed against a rating assessment on a barge permanently moored at a riverbank. He claimed that as a chattel, it should not be rated. Held: The vessel was a chattel, but its occupation could be an occupation of the riverbed. The licences were stated to be non-exclusive, but the law of rating looks … Continue reading Cinderella Rockerfellas Ltd v Rudd (Valuation Officer): CA 11 Apr 2003

Roe v Sheffield City Council and others: CA 17 Jan 2003

The claimant sought damages after his car was involved in an accident when a wheel struck a part of a tramway standing proud of the road surface. The defendant argued that they were excused liability by the 1988 Act, incorporating the effects of the 1870 Act. Held: The 1988 Act did not provide a full … Continue reading Roe v Sheffield City Council and others: CA 17 Jan 2003

Regina (Howard League for Penal Reform) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: QBD 29 Nov 2002

The League challenged the respondent’s statement in the Prisons’ Handbook that children held in young offender institutions were not subject to the protection of the 1989 Act. Held: Neither the Prison Act and Rules excluded the Prison authorities from the list of those required to co-operate with local authorities in the exercise of their duties … Continue reading Regina (Howard League for Penal Reform) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: QBD 29 Nov 2002

Regina v Secretary of State for Environment Transport and the Regions ex parte O’Byrne: HL 14 Nov 2002

The applicant sought to exercise her right to buy a property she had occupied of her local authority. It was in the green belt, and the authority declined to sell it until they had obtained authorisation for the sale. The authority appealed an order requiring the sale. Held: The 1985 Act made no reference to … Continue reading Regina v Secretary of State for Environment Transport and the Regions ex parte O’Byrne: HL 14 Nov 2002

Smith and Another v South Gloucestershire Council: CA 31 Jul 2002

The claimants purchased land. The local search did not reveal a planning permission which affected the value of the property by applying an occupancy condition. He claimed compensation. Compensation was eventually agreed to be payable, but the parties did not agree as to the time at which the damage was to be assessed. At the … Continue reading Smith and Another v South Gloucestershire Council: CA 31 Jul 2002

Willers v Joyce and Another (Re: Gubay (Deceased) No 2): SC 20 Jul 2016

The Court was asked whether and in what circumstances a lower court may follow a decision of the Privy Council which has reached a different conclusion from that of the House of Lords (or the Supreme Court or Court of Appeal) on an earlier occasion. Held: The court set out the position in law and … Continue reading Willers v Joyce and Another (Re: Gubay (Deceased) No 2): SC 20 Jul 2016

Regina v Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council ex parte Beaumont and others: QBD 22 Nov 2000

Local councillors who sat as governors of one school should not have voted on a motion regarding the closure of a neighbouring school. They had a clear, if indirect, financial interest in the issue and should have declared the interest and declined to vote. Membership of a school governors council was not listed in the … Continue reading Regina v Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council ex parte Beaumont and others: QBD 22 Nov 2000

Mohamed v Hammersmith and Fulham London Borough Council: HL 1 Nov 2001

Mrs M came to England in 1994 living first in Ealing and then Hammersmith. Mr M came later and lived elsewhere in Hammersmith. Hammersmith gave them jointly temporary accommodation, first in a hotel and then in a flat. They then applied under section 193. The authority told Mrs M that they accepted a duty to … Continue reading Mohamed v Hammersmith and Fulham London Borough Council: HL 1 Nov 2001

Hatton and Others v United Kingdom: ECHR 2 Oct 2001

The appellants claimed that the licence of over-flying from Heathrow at night, by making sleep difficult, infringed their rights to a family life. The times restricting over-flying had been restricted. The applicants’ complaints fell within a positive duty on the state to take reasonable and appropriate measures to secure the applicants’ rights under article 8.1. … Continue reading Hatton and Others v United Kingdom: ECHR 2 Oct 2001

Commission v France C-16/98: ECJ 5 Oct 2000

ECJ (Judgment) Failure of a Member State to fulfil its obligations – Directive 93/38/EEC – Public works contracts in the water, energy, transport and telecommunications sectors – Electrification and street lighting works in the departement of the Vendee – Definition of work. Citations: [2000] EUECJ C-16/98 Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: European Cited by: Cited – Azam … Continue reading Commission v France C-16/98: ECJ 5 Oct 2000

Burridge v London Borough of Harrow and others: HL 27 Jan 2000

Parents sought to oblige the education authority to place their child at a school which could satisfy the special needs identified in the statement, and as expressed to be preferred by them. The authority resisted on the ground that it was not an efficient use of resources. Held: The statute set up separate schemes for … Continue reading Burridge v London Borough of Harrow and others: HL 27 Jan 2000

Eastbourne Borough Council v James Foster: CA 11 Jul 2001

An employee’s job ceased, but he continued to be employed by the same employer on different tasks, but the new arrangement was void as ultra vires. The question arose as to whether his employment had been terminated at the time of the change in such a way as to affect his pension rights under the … Continue reading Eastbourne Borough Council v James Foster: CA 11 Jul 2001

Regina v Liverpool City Council ex parte Barry: CA 21 Mar 2001

The council set up a scheme requiring door security workers to be licensed, as a condition of the grant of entertainment licences. The applicant so worked but was not aware of the scheme. He challenged the introduction of the scheme. It was asserted that there existed no power to attach such conditions to licenses. The … Continue reading Regina v Liverpool City Council ex parte Barry: CA 21 Mar 2001

Mowan v London Borough of Wandsworth and Another: CA 21 Dec 2000

The claimant tenant sought damages from the landlord and neighbour and fellow tenant for nuisance caused by the neighbour’s aberrant behaviour.Sir Christopher Staughton said: ‘there is a strong trend in the cases in favour of the landlord who is not an occupier.’ Judges: Lord Justice Peter Gibson, Sir Christopher Staughton Citations: [2000] EWCA Civ 357, … Continue reading Mowan v London Borough of Wandsworth and Another: CA 21 Dec 2000

Preston Borough Council v McGrath: CA 12 May 2000

The defendant had been investigated for fraud against the claimant. He had disclosed documents to the police, but now complained at their use in the civil proceedings against him. Held: The document had not been given to the police under compulsion, reducing their obligations. It was possible that they might have shown it to the … Continue reading Preston Borough Council v McGrath: CA 12 May 2000

DS RL v Gloucestershire County Council and London Borough of Tower Hamlets and London Borough of Havering: CA 14 Mar 2000

The court considered and restated the criteria for liability set out in X (Minors). Judges: Lord Justice Robert Walker, Lord Justice May and Lord Justice Tuckey Citations: [2000] EWCA Civ 72, [2001] Fam 313 Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Cited – X (Minors) v Bedfordshire County Council; M (A Minor) and Another v … Continue reading DS RL v Gloucestershire County Council and London Borough of Tower Hamlets and London Borough of Havering: CA 14 Mar 2000

Gregory v Portsmouth City Council: HL 10 Feb 2000

Disciplinary proceedings had been taken by the local authority against Mr Gregory, a council member, after allegations had been made that he had failed to declare conflicts of interest, and that he had used confidential information to secure a personal financial advantage. He had been found to have breached the relevant code of practice and … Continue reading Gregory v Portsmouth City Council: HL 10 Feb 2000

W 1-6 v Essex County Council and Another: CA 2 Apr 1998

A Local Authority had a duty of care to a fostering family when allocating children. A child was known to have a history of sexual abuse and was fostered with a family with other children, and no warning had been given.Foster parents sued the council for breach of contract and for alleged negligence for breach … Continue reading W 1-6 v Essex County Council and Another: CA 2 Apr 1998

Cross v Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council: CA 27 Jun 1997

The Council’s duty to maintain a highway is not absolute. It must take reasonable steps to prevent or clear ice forming on pathway. Lord Justice Evans analysed the application of Section 41 to a situation which arose from ice and snow. In any case of this kind there is an obligation on the plaintiff to … Continue reading Cross v Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council: CA 27 Jun 1997

Regina (Structadene Limited) v Hackney London Borough Council: Admn 19 Oct 2000

The disposal of land in a conveyance, for the purposes of the Act, takes place on the transfer and not on exchange of contracts. The authority set out to sell land by auction but before the auction decided to accept an offer from the tenants. Before exchange the applicants offered a larger sum, but the … Continue reading Regina (Structadene Limited) v Hackney London Borough Council: Admn 19 Oct 2000

Regina v Liverpool City Council ex parte Barry: Admn 7 Apr 2000

The claimant challenged a scheme for licensing door staff on licensed premises within the city. Held: Given the length of time for which the scheme had been in place, it was now inappriate to grant relief even if the scheme igt have been unlawful. Judges: Maurice Kay J Citations: [2000] EWHC Admin 321 Links: Bailii … Continue reading Regina v Liverpool City Council ex parte Barry: Admn 7 Apr 2000

Regina v Horseferry Road Magistrates’ Court and Westminster City Council ex parte Rezouali; Westminster City Council v Mendoza: Admn 31 Mar 2000

A local authority served notices on a property owner alleging that they were unlicensed sex establishments. The magistrate confirmed closure. The owner appealed. Held: The statute gave two grounds for appeal, and an appeal on other grounds was not to be allowed. The fact that a court would have wide discretion on a successful appeal … Continue reading Regina v Horseferry Road Magistrates’ Court and Westminster City Council ex parte Rezouali; Westminster City Council v Mendoza: Admn 31 Mar 2000

Regina v Powys County Council, ex parte Jenny Diane Hambidge: Admn 28 Apr 1999

Citations: [1999] EWHC Admin 371 Links: Bailii Statutes: Disability Discrimination Act 1995 20 Cited by: Appeal from – Regina v Powys County Council, Ex Parte Hambidge (No 2) CA 16-Mar-2000 Where a local authority raised the care charges for facilities and services provided to disabled people charging different rates according to the benefits received, and … Continue reading Regina v Powys County Council, ex parte Jenny Diane Hambidge: Admn 28 Apr 1999

Regina on Application of Dinev and Others v Westminster City Council: Admn 24 Oct 2000

Street artists had operated in Leicester Square for many years without either licenses or being prosecuted. The respondent introduced a scheme to regulate them, and the applicants sought to challenge it by way of judicial review, alleging a failure to consult, and the obstruction of their rights of establishment under European law. Held: To the … Continue reading Regina on Application of Dinev and Others v Westminster City Council: Admn 24 Oct 2000

Regina v Braintree District Council ex parte Halls: Admn 2 Jul 1999

Where a local authority had sold a property to a tenant, and the tenant later came back to request the release from one of the covenants given on the sale, the council was free to charge an appropriate sum for that release. It was not a covenant within the deed entitling the council to make … Continue reading Regina v Braintree District Council ex parte Halls: Admn 2 Jul 1999

Regina (on the application of K) v Camden and Islington Health Authority: CA 21 Feb 2001

The duty of a local authority to seek to provide resources to care for a mental patient after release into the community, is not absolute, and is subject to the limitations of the availability of a sufficient budget. A continued detention in hospital of a patient because of the absence of such proper provision was … Continue reading Regina (on the application of K) v Camden and Islington Health Authority: CA 21 Feb 2001

Westminster Bank Limited v The Minister for Housing and Local Government, Beverley Borough Council: HL 1971

The Bank’s application for planning permission was refused on the grounds that the development might prejudice the possible future widening of a road. The local authority could have prescribed a building line in accordance with a provision of the Highways Act, 1959, but in that event would have had to pay compensation for the injurious … Continue reading Westminster Bank Limited v The Minister for Housing and Local Government, Beverley Borough Council: HL 1971

O’Byrne v Secretary of State for Environment, Transport and Regions and Another: CA 17 Apr 2001

A tenant sought to buy a flat under the right to buy scheme but the flat was in the green belt. The land was held under provisions in the 1938 Act making the sale of any part conditional on the consent of the respondent. The local authority objected, and an inquiry was held. The inspector … Continue reading O’Byrne v Secretary of State for Environment, Transport and Regions and Another: CA 17 Apr 2001

Regina v Wandsworth London Borough Council, Ex Parte O; Leicester City Council, Ex Parte Bhikha: CA 7 Sep 2000

The applicants were immigrants awaiting determination of their applications for exceptional leave to remain, and who came to suffer from serious illness. Each applied for and was refused assistance from their local authority. Held: The refusals were unlawful. Where circumstances of need arose over and above needs arising from lack of accommodation and funds, then … Continue reading Regina v Wandsworth London Borough Council, Ex Parte O; Leicester City Council, Ex Parte Bhikha: CA 7 Sep 2000

Regina v Richmond London Borough Council, Ex Parte Watson; Regina v Manchester City Council, Ex Parte Stennett; etc: CA 28 Sep 2000

Local Authorities who found themselves obliged to provide care for former mental patients were not free to charge for the services. The section imposing the obligation could not be looked at as a gateway provision before services were provided under other statutory provisions. The references by other sections to services provided under this section made … Continue reading Regina v Richmond London Borough Council, Ex Parte Watson; Regina v Manchester City Council, Ex Parte Stennett; etc: CA 28 Sep 2000

Larner v Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council: CA 20 Dec 2000

The duty on a local authority to promote road safety did not remove from them the discretion as to how that duty was to be implemented. A claim that the authority had failed to place certain signage, and that an accident had occurred which might not otherwise have done. The duty was a target duty, … Continue reading Larner v Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council: CA 20 Dec 2000

Hughes v Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions and Another: CA 19 Jan 2000

A house had been unused since 1960, and was bought in 1990. It had become delapidated and the applicant wished to rebuild. The applicant was entitled to permission only if he could show the original residential use had not been lost. Held: The residential use had been abandoned. The test was an objective one, looking … Continue reading Hughes v Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions and Another: CA 19 Jan 2000

Ealing London Borough Council v Surdonja etc: CA 21 Jan 2000

When a local authority came to make the decision about the extent of the local connection of the homelessness applicant with the area, the assessment was to be made as regards the situation at the date of that decision. Where there was a review, the material date was the date of the review. Where an … Continue reading Ealing London Borough Council v Surdonja etc: CA 21 Jan 2000

Bradford City Metropolitan District Council v Booth: QBD 10 May 2000

The local authority had refused to renew a private hire vehicle licence. That refusal was successfully challenged, and the magistrates had awarded costs on the basis that they should follow the event. The authority appealed. Held: The discretion given to magistrates to award such costs as it feels are just and reasonable does not mean … Continue reading Bradford City Metropolitan District Council v Booth: QBD 10 May 2000

Kelly (A Minor) v British Broadcasting Corporation: FD 25 Jul 2000

K, aged 16, had left home to join what was said to be a religious sect. His whereabouts were unknown. He had been made a ward of court and the Official Solicitor was appointed to represent his interests. He had sent messages to say that he was well and did not wish to return. The … Continue reading Kelly (A Minor) v British Broadcasting Corporation: FD 25 Jul 2000

Kent County Council v The Mother, The Father, B (By Her Children’s Guardian); Re B (A Child) (Disclosure): FD 19 Mar 2004

The council had taken the applicant’s children into care alleging that the mother had harmed them. In the light of the subsequent cases casting doubt on such findings, the mother sought the return of her children. She applied now that the hearings be in public. Held: The applicant and her solicitors had already made significant … Continue reading Kent County Council v The Mother, The Father, B (By Her Children’s Guardian); Re B (A Child) (Disclosure): FD 19 Mar 2004

Ali Bhai and Another v Black Roof Community Housing Association Ltd: CA 2 Nov 2000

The tenant appealed against a refusal of what he said was his right to buy the flat he occupied. The Housing Association respondent and arbitrator had said that the tenancy had been assured, not secure and that therefore no right to buy had existed. After the grant of the tenancy, the Association had changed in … Continue reading Ali Bhai and Another v Black Roof Community Housing Association Ltd: CA 2 Nov 2000

Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council v Shaw: QBD 2000

Two senior and long term employees of the Council proposed voluntary early redundancy. After discussions, their contracts were varied with enhanced pay so that they would also have enhanced pensions and redundancy payments. Such enhancing agreements were not part of any long term policy of the Council, but were negotiated ‘one-off’ at a time when … Continue reading Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council v Shaw: QBD 2000

Regina (Khan) v Oxfordshire County Council: QBD 4 Oct 2002

The applicant sought review of the authority’s decision not to offer her housing. She was subject to immigration control. She had been the victim of domestic violence and of abduction. Held: The authority could provide assistance under either Act, unless prohibited by statute. The limitation in the 1948 statute did apply to restrict the authority’s … Continue reading Regina (Khan) v Oxfordshire County Council: QBD 4 Oct 2002

Epping Forest District Council v Philcox: CA 13 Apr 2000

Where an activity had been continuing without planning permission for 10 years it was no obstacle to obtaining a certificate of lawful use that the activity had been illegal because it had been carried out without a waste management licence. A certificate once granted is conclusive answer to any enforcement notice subsequently issued and is … Continue reading Epping Forest District Council v Philcox: CA 13 Apr 2000

Barkas, Regina (on The Application of ) v North Yorkshire County Council and Another: SC 6 Mar 2014

The Court was asked as to the registration of a playing field as a ‘town or village green’. Local residents asserted that their use of the land, having been ‘as of right’ required the registration. They now appealed against rejection of that argument. Held: The basic issues was ‘where land is provided and maintained by … Continue reading Barkas, Regina (on The Application of ) v North Yorkshire County Council and Another: SC 6 Mar 2014

Regina v Broxtowe Borough Council ex parte Bradford: CA 2000

A tennis coach wanted employment with the borough council as a coach. It made inquiries of another council and found that he had been suspected of improper conduct towards young girls. It not only refused him a job but imposed a ban upon him teaching in their public tennis courts interfering with the existing and … Continue reading Regina v Broxtowe Borough Council ex parte Bradford: CA 2000

Graham Barclay Oysters Pty Ltd v Ryan: 9 Aug 2000

Austlii (Federal Court of Australia) TORT – Negligence – non-feasance by public authorities – non-exercise by local government council and State government to minimise faecal contamination of lake where oysters grown commercially – oysters carrying hepatitis A virus – consumer of oysters contracting hepatitis A – whether duty of care owed to be discharged by … Continue reading Graham Barclay Oysters Pty Ltd v Ryan: 9 Aug 2000

Wandsworth London Borough Council v A: CA 20 Jan 2000

A was a parent of a child. The school complained of A’s behaviour when visiting the school, and was refused a licence to enter the premises without being accompanied. The behaviour continued, and an injunction was obtained. Held: The order was discharged on appeal because it could not be shown that the headmaster had taken … Continue reading Wandsworth London Borough Council v A: CA 20 Jan 2000

Regina v Powys County Council, Ex Parte Hambidge (No 2): CA 16 Mar 2000

Where a local authority raised the care charges for facilities and services provided to disabled people charging different rates according to the benefits received, and where some benefits were received according to the level of disability, that differentiation did not amount to disability discrimination. The differences arose form the different levels of benefits paid to … Continue reading Regina v Powys County Council, Ex Parte Hambidge (No 2): CA 16 Mar 2000

Regina v Braintree District Council, ex parte Malcolm William Halls: CA 1 Mar 2000

When selling a house to its tenant under the right to buy legislation, the council had imposed a restrictive covenant preventing the new owner developing the land by further building. The purchaser later approached the council for its release so as to allow further building. He had obtained planning permission for the proposed development. When … Continue reading Regina v Braintree District Council, ex parte Malcolm William Halls: CA 1 Mar 2000

Regina v Greenwich London Borough Council, Ex Parte Glen International Ltd and Another: CA 29 Mar 2000

The council had issued notices requiring renovation works. The property owner applied for grants to cover such works, but the application was refused on the basis that no estimate accompanied the application. It was held that the grants were intended to be mandatory. The council had discretion to accept applications without this information, and in … Continue reading Regina v Greenwich London Borough Council, Ex Parte Glen International Ltd and Another: CA 29 Mar 2000

Plymouth City Council v C and Another: CA 21 Mar 2000

Where a child coming into care had had connection with two local authorities beforehand, the primary statutory responsibility for care would be determined by assessing which was the authority with a connection to the child immediately before the period to be disregarded under the Act for any temporary placement. The court reaffirmed the simple test … Continue reading Plymouth City Council v C and Another: CA 21 Mar 2000

In Re R (A Child) (Care Proceedings: Disclosure): CA 18 Jul 2000

A guardian ad litem, representing one child, was entitled to see a report, prepared by the child protection committee of the local authority, which related to the death of the child’s sibling. Such a report constituted a report prepared by the authority whilst exercising a statutory function assigned to it. No question of policy could … Continue reading In Re R (A Child) (Care Proceedings: Disclosure): CA 18 Jul 2000

Grogan v Greenwich London Borough Council: CA 2 Mar 2000

A youth had left care, and been given a secure tenancy. He was convicted of an offence, including one for having stolen goods at the flat. He was sentenced to six months detention, and the council applied for possession. On release he asked for the possession to be suspended, but the order was made. On … Continue reading Grogan v Greenwich London Borough Council: CA 2 Mar 2000

Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Ltd, Regina (on The Application of) v Wolverhampton City Council and Another: SC 12 May 2010

The appellant’s land was to be taken under compulsory purchase by the Council who wished to use it to assist Tesco in the construction of a new supermarket. Tesco promised to help fund restoration of a local listed building. Sainsbury objected an now appealed against the Court of Appeal’s overturning of the orer in its … Continue reading Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Ltd, Regina (on The Application of) v Wolverhampton City Council and Another: SC 12 May 2010

Perry v Raleys Solicitors: SC 13 Feb 2019

Veracity of a witness is for the court hearing him The claimant, a retired miner, had sued his former solicitors, alleging professional negligence in the settlement of his claim for Vibration White Finger damages under the government approved scheme for compensation for such injuries. At trial, the judge found the claimant’s evidence unreliable, and that … Continue reading Perry v Raleys Solicitors: SC 13 Feb 2019

Butler-Sloss and Others v The Charity Commission for England and Wales and Another: ChD 29 Apr 2022

Principles allowing Ethical Investment by Trustees Should charities, whose principal purposes are environmental protection and improvement and the relief of poverty, be able to adopt an investment policy that excludes many potential investments because the trustees consider that they conflict with their charitable purposes? Held: An amended declaration was granted.‘I should summarise what I consider … Continue reading Butler-Sloss and Others v The Charity Commission for England and Wales and Another: ChD 29 Apr 2022

Regina v Local Commissioner for Administration in the North and North East England, ex parte Liverpool City Council: CA 3 Mar 2000

Councillors who were regular attenders at a football club, or who had season tickets, should declare that interest when it came to voting on a contentious planning application made by that club. Traditions of party members voting along party lines on sub-committees exercising statutory functions were capable of amounting to maladministration. The commissioner could investigate … Continue reading Regina v Local Commissioner for Administration in the North and North East England, ex parte Liverpool City Council: CA 3 Mar 2000

Scrivens v Ethical Standards Officer: Admn 11 Apr 2005

The councillor appealed an adjudication that he had failed adequately to declare an interest at a meeting of the council. The officer thought the duty to withdraw was entirely objective, the applicant that it was a matter for his honest judgment. At one meeting, he had declared an interest, but failed to withdraw, and at … Continue reading Scrivens v Ethical Standards Officer: Admn 11 Apr 2005

Corner House Research, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for Trade and Industry: CA 1 Mar 2005

The applicant sought to bring an action to challenge new rules on approval of export credit guarantees. The company was non-profit and founded to support investigation of bribery. It had applied for a protected costs order to support the application, and now appealed its refusal. Held: The court restated the practice on the making of … Continue reading Corner House Research, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for Trade and Industry: CA 1 Mar 2005

Ealing London Borough Council (Decision Notice): ICO 16 May 2007

The complainant requested information relating to the adoption of executive arrangements under the Local Government Act 2000 (LGA). She specifically requested certain details about the publicity in local newspapers and whether a formal resolution was passed under section 29 of the LGA. The public authority advised that it no longer holds the details of the … Continue reading Ealing London Borough Council (Decision Notice): ICO 16 May 2007

Ayuntamiento de Mula v Spain: ECHR 1 Feb 2001

Under the settled case law of the Convention institutions local government organisations are public law bodies which perform official duties assigned to them by the Constitution and by substantive law and are therefore quite clearly governmental organisations. ‘In that connection, the Court reiterates that in international law the expression ‘governmental organisations’ cannot be held to … Continue reading Ayuntamiento de Mula v Spain: ECHR 1 Feb 2001

Wilson v Secretary of State for Trade and Industry; Wilson v First County Trust Ltd (No 2): HL 10 Jul 2003

The respondent appealed against a finding that the provision which made a loan agreement completely invalid for lack of compliance with the 1974 Act was itself invalid under the Human Rights Act since it deprived the respondent lender of its property rights. It was also argued that it was not possible to make a declaration … Continue reading Wilson v Secretary of State for Trade and Industry; Wilson v First County Trust Ltd (No 2): HL 10 Jul 2003

Littrell v Government of the United States of America and Another (No 2): CA 24 Nov 1993

The plaintiff claimed damages for personal injuries arising from medical treatment which he had received at a United States military hospital in the United Kingdom while a serving member of the United States Air Force. Held: Section 16(2) applied and therefore the case fell to be decided at common law. The acts complained of took … Continue reading Littrell v Government of the United States of America and Another (No 2): CA 24 Nov 1993

Osman v The United Kingdom: ECHR 28 Oct 1998

Police’s Complete Immunity was Too Wide (Grand Chamber) A male teacher developed an obsession with a male pupil. He changed his name by deed poll to the pupil’s surname. He was required to teach at another school. The pupil’s family’s property was subjected to numerous acts of vandalism, which the police investigated and in respect … Continue reading Osman v The United Kingdom: ECHR 28 Oct 1998

Regina v Ashworth Hospital Authority (Now Mersey Care National Health Service Trust) ex parte Munjaz: HL 13 Oct 2005

The claimant was detained in a secure Mental Hospital. He complained at the seclusions policy applied by the hospital, saying that it departed from the Guidance issued for such policies by the Secretary of State under the Act. Held: The House allowed the Hospital’s appeal. The policy was lawful. Seclusion was to be seen as … Continue reading Regina v Ashworth Hospital Authority (Now Mersey Care National Health Service Trust) ex parte Munjaz: HL 13 Oct 2005

Pascoe v First Secretary of State and others: Admn 27 Sep 2006

The claimant challenged a compulsory purchase order made under the 1993 Act on the grounds of underuse of properties in the area. Held: The respondent’s decision had been made on the basis that there was underuse of a ‘predominant number’ of properties. That phrase added an unlawful gloss to the statutory requirement and watered the … Continue reading Pascoe v First Secretary of State and others: Admn 27 Sep 2006

Gorringe v Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council: HL 1 Apr 2004

Statutory Duty Not Extended by Common Law The claimant sought damages after a road accident. The driver came over the crest of a hill and hit a bus. The road was not marked with any warning as to the need to slow down. Held: The claim failed. The duty could not be extended to include … Continue reading Gorringe v Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council: HL 1 Apr 2004

Collins Stewart Ltd and Another v The Financial Times Ltd: QBD 20 Oct 2004

The claimants sought damages for defamation. The claimed that the article had caused very substantial losses (andpound;230 million) to them by affecting their market capitalisation value. The defendant sought to strike out that part of the claim. Held: The possible market capitalisation of the claimants was far too uncertain a basis for calculating damages. The … Continue reading Collins Stewart Ltd and Another v The Financial Times Ltd: QBD 20 Oct 2004

In re J (a Child) (Care Proceedings: Disclosure): FD 9 May 2003

A report had been prepared by the local authority into the way in which it had handled the proceedings. The guardian sought to inspect the report and the authority resisted, claiming public interest immunity. Held: The report had been prepared in connection with the matters underlying the proceedings. By virtue of the Act, the child’s … Continue reading In re J (a Child) (Care Proceedings: Disclosure): FD 9 May 2003

The Christian Institute and Others v The Lord Advocate: SC 28 Jul 2016

(Scotland) By the 2014 Act, the Scottish Parliament had provided that each child should have a named person to monitor that child’s needs, with information about him or her shared as necessary. The Institute objected that the imposed obligation to share information was outwith the powers of the Parliament. It extended the information to be … Continue reading The Christian Institute and Others v The Lord Advocate: SC 28 Jul 2016

London Borough of Lambeth v Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government and Others: SC 3 Jul 2019

The second respondent sought a certificate from the Council determining that the lawful use of its store extended to sales of unlimited categories of goods including food. A certificate to that effect was refused by the Council, but granted by a planning inspector on appeal, and upheld by the lower courts. The Council, as local … Continue reading London Borough of Lambeth v Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government and Others: SC 3 Jul 2019

Attorney General of Belize and others v Belize Telecom Ltd and Another: PC 18 Mar 2009

(Belize) A company had been formed to manage telecommunications in Belize. The parties disputed the interpretation of its articles. Shares had been sold, but the company was structured so as to leave a degree of control with the government. It was argued that a term was to be implied requiring resignation of a director when … Continue reading Attorney General of Belize and others v Belize Telecom Ltd and Another: PC 18 Mar 2009

Lindley, Regina (on the Application of) v Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council: Admn 21 Sep 2006

The claimant, aged 69 suffered from cerebral palsy. The council had provided his care but he said they had represented to him that care would be provided in a new facility, and claimed a legitimate expectation. The defendant said that its changed assessment of his needs meant that no representation could be expected to continue. … Continue reading Lindley, Regina (on the Application of) v Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council: Admn 21 Sep 2006

Ipswich Borough Council v Moore and Another: CA 25 Jul 2001

A statute in 1950 granted to the port authority powers, inter alia, to grant licences for moorings on the foreshore. These powers overrode the ancient Royal Charter which vested the foreshore in the local authority. Accordingly licences issued by the port authority were effective and binding as against the local authority.The court considered whether the … Continue reading Ipswich Borough Council v Moore and Another: CA 25 Jul 2001

Regina v Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, ex parte O’Byrne: Admn 20 Aug 1999

It could be proper, when ordering for a third party to be joined in an action for judicial review, to order that the original party should not be responsible for the new party’s costs in any event. Such a power could be derived from the overriding objective, which required the court to take account of … Continue reading Regina v Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, ex parte O’Byrne: Admn 20 Aug 1999

Regina v Devon County Council Ex Parte Baker, Regina v Durham County Council Ex Parte Broxson: CA 22 Feb 1993

A Local Authority considering closing a residential home did not have a duty to notify and consult with each resident who might be affected, but did have a duty to act fairly, and to give sufficiently prominent notice and sufficient time to allow residents to make representations and give their objections, and for these to … Continue reading Regina v Devon County Council Ex Parte Baker, Regina v Durham County Council Ex Parte Broxson: CA 22 Feb 1993

Regina (A) v Lambeth London Borough Council: QBD 25 May 2001

The duty imposed by section 17 of the Act on local authorities to safeguard and promote the welfare of children is a general duty only, and is not capable of being enforced for the benefit of a particular child by way of judicial review. As a so called target duty decisions made by the local … Continue reading Regina (A) v Lambeth London Borough Council: QBD 25 May 2001

Regina v Swansea City and Council, Ex Parte Davies: QBD 7 Jul 2000

A hackney council vehicle licence holder had sufficient locus standi as a person aggrieved to appeal against a condition sought to be imposed by the local authority on the licensing of private hire vehicle licenses. Accordingly the Magistrates should hear his complaint and objection. The statute was not narrowly drafted so as to exclude the … Continue reading Regina v Swansea City and Council, Ex Parte Davies: QBD 7 Jul 2000

Regina v Westminster City Council, Ex Parte Union of Managerial and Professional Officers and Others: QBD 13 Jun 2000

It was not an abuse of power by a local authority who had been asked to pay the costs of its officers and members successfully defending themselves against an action by the district auditor for malpractice, first to verify that it had any legal duty or power to provide such an indemnity. However such an … Continue reading Regina v Westminster City Council, Ex Parte Union of Managerial and Professional Officers and Others: QBD 13 Jun 2000

Regina v Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, Ex Parte O’Byrne: QBD 8 Jun 2000

A tenant sought to buy a flat under the right to buy scheme but the flat was in the green belt. The local authority objected, and an inquiry was held. The inspector held that the green belt policy itself would not be affected, but a sale would impinge on the management of the park where … Continue reading Regina v Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, Ex Parte O’Byrne: QBD 8 Jun 2000

In Re F (Minors) (Care Proceedings): Contact): FD 22 Jun 2000

The powers given to local authorities over children in care and the arrangements for contact are compliant with the human rights act. The balancing act between the child’s best interests and those of the mother had been correctly applied. Citations: Times 22-Jun-2000 Statutes: Human Rights Act 1998 Children, Local Government, Human Rights Updated: 08 April … Continue reading In Re F (Minors) (Care Proceedings): Contact): FD 22 Jun 2000

Herschel Engineering Ltd v Breen Property Ltd: QBD 10 May 2000

A decision of an adjudicator given under the section was not final. It was not in the nature of an arbitration and therefore an appeal against the adjudication did lie to the County Court. A court would not normally allow the same issue to be determined both by the arbitrator and a court, but an … Continue reading Herschel Engineering Ltd v Breen Property Ltd: QBD 10 May 2000

Grubb v Pricewaterhousecoopers and Another: QBD 17 Oct 2000

Where a local authority directly paid accommodation and subsistence expenses incurred by councillors in attending conferences in the course of their duties, the expenses were not limited by the Act in the way they would be if the councillors had had to claim them back themselves. There was on overriding provision limiting all such payments. … Continue reading Grubb v Pricewaterhousecoopers and Another: QBD 17 Oct 2000

Deadman v Southwark London Borough Council: CA 31 Aug 2000

For a local authority to be liable for damage to the property of a person applying as a homeless person, the authority had to be properly fixed with notice of the threat to the property. A general or fanciful risk was insufficient. An applicant having left her home and applying to be re-housed complained of … Continue reading Deadman v Southwark London Borough Council: CA 31 Aug 2000

Keep Streets Live Campaign Ltd v London Borough of Camden: Admn 11 Mar 2014

Claim for judicial review of a decision of the London Borough of Camden to adopt part V of the London Local Authorities Act 2000 and to approve a street entertainment policy (the policy) the effect of which is to licence busking in the area of Camden. Judges: Mrs Justice Patterson Citations: [2014] EWHC 607 (Admin) … Continue reading Keep Streets Live Campaign Ltd v London Borough of Camden: Admn 11 Mar 2014

Neville Buckle Sanders v Kingston (No 2): QBD 14 Nov 2005

The applicant, a local councillor appealed against a finding of the local government tribunal leaidng to his suspension. Held: The tribunal had an obligation to consider and start from the guidance issued under the Act, and have given an explanation of how the guidance had been applied. The finding in this case was manifestly disproportionate … Continue reading Neville Buckle Sanders v Kingston (No 2): QBD 14 Nov 2005

Adam, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department; Limbuela v Same; Tesema v Same: HL 3 Nov 2005

The applicants had each entered the UK with a view to seeking asylum, but having failed to seek asylum immediately, they had been refused any assistance, were not allowed to work and so had been left destitute. Each had claimed asylum on the day following their arrival. Held: The appeal by the Secretary of State … Continue reading Adam, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department; Limbuela v Same; Tesema v Same: HL 3 Nov 2005

Nzolameso v City of Westminster: SC 2 Apr 2015

The court was asked ‘When is it lawful for a local housing authority to accommodate a homeless person a long way away from the authority’s own area where the homeless person was previously living? ‘ The claimant said that on applying for housing she had been rehoused outside the Borough and that the Coucil had … Continue reading Nzolameso v City of Westminster: SC 2 Apr 2015

Westminster City Council v National Asylum Support Service: HL 17 Oct 2002

The applicant sought assistance from the local authority. He suffered from spinal myeloma, was destitute and an asylum seeker. Held: Although the Act had withdrawn the obligation to provide assistance for many asylum seekers, those who were infirm and whose infirmity was not a consequence of their destitution, had not been excluded. Only able bodied … Continue reading Westminster City Council v National Asylum Support Service: HL 17 Oct 2002

Poole Borough Council v GN and Another: SC 6 Jun 2019

This appeal is concerned with the liability of a local authority for what is alleged to have been a negligent failure to exercise its social services functions so as to protect children from harm caused by third parties. The principal question of law which it raises is whether a local authority or its employees may … Continue reading Poole Borough Council v GN and Another: SC 6 Jun 2019

Robinson v Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police: SC 8 Feb 2018

Limits to Police Exemption from Liability The claimant, an elderly lady was bowled over and injured when police were chasing a suspect through the streets. As they arrested him they fell over on top of her. She appealed against refusal of her claim in negligence. Held: Her appeal succeeded. It is normally only in a … Continue reading Robinson v Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police: SC 8 Feb 2018

Anns and Others v Merton London Borough Council: HL 12 May 1977

The plaintiff bought her apartment, but discovered later that the foundations were defective. The local authority had supervised the compliance with Building Regulations whilst it was being built, but had failed to spot the fault. The authority appealed a finding that it was liable, arguing that the claims were time barred and that it had … Continue reading Anns and Others v Merton London Borough Council: HL 12 May 1977

Phelps v Hillingdon London Borough Council; Anderton v Clwyd County Council; Gower v Bromley London Borough Council; Jarvis v Hampshire County Council: HL 28 Jul 2000

The plaintiffs each complained of negligent decisions in his or her education made by the defendant local authorities. In three of them the Court of Appeal had struck out the plaintiff’s claim and in only one had it been allowed to proceed. Held: The House unanimously dismissed the local authority’s appeal in that last case … Continue reading Phelps v Hillingdon London Borough Council; Anderton v Clwyd County Council; Gower v Bromley London Borough Council; Jarvis v Hampshire County Council: HL 28 Jul 2000

Stovin v Wise, Norfolk County Council (Third Party): HL 24 Jul 1996

Statutory Duty Does Not Create Common Law Duty The mere existence of statutory power to remedy a defect cannot of itself create a duty of care to do so. A highway authority need not have a duty of care to highway users because of its duty to maintain the highway. The two stage test ‘involves … Continue reading Stovin v Wise, Norfolk County Council (Third Party): HL 24 Jul 1996

HM Customs and Excise v Barclays Bank Plc: HL 21 Jun 2006

The claimant had served an asset freezing order on the bank in respect of one of its customers. The bank paid out on a cheque inadvertently as to the order. The Commissioners claimed against the bank in negligence. The bank denied any duty of care. Held: The bank’s appeal succeeded. The bank owed a duty … Continue reading HM Customs and Excise v Barclays Bank Plc: HL 21 Jun 2006