Langstaff J has recently handed down an interesting judgment in R (A, B & C) v Oxfordshire County Council [2016] EWHC 2419 (Admin). This was a failed judicial review challenge to decisions taken by Oxfordshire CC leading to the closure of a number of children’s centres.  It is a case of some significance, because it is the first time a Court has explained how the split between a LA’s executive functions and full council functions affects the discharge of the public sector equality duty and other procedural obligations. Read more »

Readers of this blog will be well aware that many individuals with social care needs receive direct payments from their local authority which enables them to make their own arrangements and purchase their own care. However, those in receipt of such payments will often need support in managing their own payments, and many authorities make direct payments through authorised third parties. Read more »