R (ZLL) v SoS (2022) EWHC 85 (Admin) concerns rough sleepers and the covid pandemic. The claimant alleged a breach of public law duty by adopting an unpublished position in non- conformity with previously published policy. In relation to this ground, Fordham J stated some relevant basic legal points including the following :-
Community Infrastructure Levy
January 21st, 2022 by James Goudie KC in Planning and EnvironmentalThere has to be certainty as to when and how liability for the CIL will arise. A chargeable development ceases to be eligible for social housing relief if, before it is commenced, a commencement notice is not submitted to the local authority. So held in R (Heronslea) v SoS (2022) EWHC 96 (Admin). Also held that liability to pay the levy arises upon the commencement of the chargeable development.
Contract Procurement
January 17th, 2022 by James Goudie KC in Decision making and ContractsThe topics considered, in the context of a public health crisis, by O’Farrell J. in a 519 paragraph Judgment in R (Good Law Project) v SoS for Health and Social Care (2022) EWHC 46 (TCC) include principles in relation to (1) confidentiality and open justice, (2) equal treatment and transparency, and (3) irrationality.
Contract Procurement
January 14th, 2022 by James Goudie KC in Decision making and ContractsThe topics considered, in the context of a public health crisis, by O’Farrell J. in a 519 paragraph Judgment in R (Good Law Project) v SoS for Health and Social Care (2022) EWHC 46 (TCC) include principles in relation to (1) confidentiality and open justice, (2) equal treatment and transparency, and (3) irrationality.
Judicial Control, Liability and Litigation Injunctions
January 13th, 2022 by James Goudie KC in Judicial Control, Liability and LitigationIn Barking & Dagenham LBC v Persons Unknown (2022) EWCA Civ 13 the Court of Appeal rules that the Courts can grant in respect of unauthorised encampments a final injunction that prevent persons that are unknown and unidentified at the date of the Order, newcomers, from occupying and trespassing on local authority land.
DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION
January 10th, 2022 by James Goudie KC in Judicial Control, Liability and LitigationSection 29(6) of the Equality Act 2010 on exercise of a public function does not provide a remedy equivalent to Section 39(2) of that Act on discrimination against employee. So held in Eckland v Chief Constable of Avon & Somerset (2021) EWCA Civ 1961, because the former claim has to be brought in the County Court, whereas the latter can be pursued in an Employment Tribunal. There are a number of material differences between the two jurisdictions, including that it is the ET which has the appropriate expertise for determining discrimination disputes in the employment field, and both the costs regime and the available remedies are different.
Extension of Limitation Period
December 23rd, 2021 by James Goudie KC in Judicial Control, Liability and LitigationThe 30 day limitation for procurement claims is a short one, but the Courts have repeatedly emphasised that it should be observed. In Access for Living Limited v Lewisham LBC (2021) EWHC 3498 ( TCC ) Jefford J says : –
Fundamental Principles
December 16th, 2021 by James Goudie KC in Decision making and ContractsIn R (Police Superintendents Association) v Her Majesty’s Treasury (2021) EWHC 3389 (Admin) the Judge sets out the principles relating to Consultation at paras 122-130, relating to the PSED at paras 131-138, and relating to Substantive Legitimate Expectation at paras 139-144.
Houses in Multiple Occupation: December 2021
December 9th, 2021 by James Goudie KC in General, HousingIn Palmview Estates v Thurrock Council (2021) EWCA Civ 1871 the Court of Appeal consider the “reasonable excuse” defence in Section 75 (2) of the Housing Act 2004. There is a defence if, viewed objectively, there is reasonable excuse for having control of or managing a HMO without a licence. The reasonable excuse must relate to the activity of controlling or managing the HMO without a licence.