Council funding cuts unlawful

Birmingham City Council acted unlawfully over a decision to reduce its care services for disabled people, High Court judges have ruled.

The case arose after the families of four severely disabled people in Birmingham challenged the council’s spending cuts decision, and took the authority to court.

The ruling made by High Court judges said local councils must abide by existing disability laws to eliminate discrimination, but appreciated that this would place “significant and onerous” obligations on local authorities. Solicitor Karen Ashton, who represented the families, said that “councils must look if savings can be found elsewhere.”

The council now plans to revise its budgets and re-run the public consultation.

LDT Editor

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