Is press freedom to question the council important to you?
Tell Steve Beynon if you think this is wrong

« | Home | »

Author: Sally Perry

High Court Ruling Over Social Care Budget Cuts

8:29 am Friday, 20th May, 2011, Isle of Wight

ShortURL: http://wig.ht/birminghamcitycouncilhighcourtruling
Read More- Disability, News, Overseas

Those who have been following the legal challenge against Birmingham City Council for cuts to adult social care may have already heard news of yesterday’s ruling. Indeed, it has been commented on here on VB.

Brass gavelIn yesterday’s judicial review, Mr Justice Walker declared the council’s plans to cut adult social care was unlawful and should be axed.

Lawyers for four disabled Birmingham residents took up the legal challenge after the council stated that only those with ‘critical’ needs would be supported. The legal case challenged that decision, claiming those with ‘substantial’ needs should also be supported by the council.

Flawed consultation
Mr Justice Walker said, “The consultation had not involved any attempt to look at the practical detail of what the move to ‘critical only’ would entail”.

The ruling will set a precedent, ensuring other councils abide by their legal (not to mention moral) duty to protect vulnerable elderly and disabled people.

The BBC have a video response of the leader of Birmingham City Council, who claims the ruling will have no effect their budget.

Image: Walknboston under CC BY 2.0

Print Friendly

2 readers' comments to the “High Court Ruling Over Social Care Budget Cuts” story

  1. +5 Click if you like this comment Don Smith     says:
    20, May 2011 at 9:37 am

    A very just and fair ruling – Now let’s have some cuts at the top. These top salaries are bordering on criminal.

    Come on! A ten percent cut in all the top salaries would booster the kitty, and those at the top would not feel any inconvenience or suffer hardship.

    Offensive comment?

    Reply to this comment
  2. +3 Click if you like this comment witchfinder general     says:
    20, May 2011 at 5:50 pm

    If any councillors are reading this perhaps they would like to comment. If the council thinks they are doing things by the book, they should look down the line and see how there cuts are being interpretated by their care managers.

    I found this in the Guardian.
    “In cash-strapped times such as these, the public sector must do more to avoid the consequences of cuts falling on those who are least able to bear them. What this case demonstrates is that this may be not only a moral obligation, but also a legal one. Local Councils (and all other public authorities) must learn this lesson and learn it fast – otherwise there will be many more of these cases coming before the courts. “

    Offensive comment?

    Reply to this comment

What do you think? Have your say ...

Comment guidance

*** You're now able to reply directly to someone's comment, find out how ***

We all love to read your comments - just consider that they can be read by people of all ages, so please avoid them being offensive, or over-personal.

If wouldn't say it in front of your Gran, please don't post it.

Tip: If you're feeling incensed about a comment and are thinking of bashing out a reply, go and make yourself a cup of something hot, take a deep breath and then reply. You're less likely to write something that you regret later.

Don't worry - even if you see your name and email address below, please don't be concerned. Your email address cannot be seen publicly.