Escott, R (On the application of) v Chichester District Council

Escott, R (On the application of) v Chichester District Council

The local authority did not act unlawfully in failing to provide a fridge, cooker, or bed as part of its statutory duty to provide suitable accommodation. The duty does not require the provision of furnished accommodation, and the authority acted reasonably in the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Parties
Claimant: Bevis Escott; Defendant: Chichester District Council
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
05 May 2020
Procedural Posture
Judicial Review / Application for Interim Relief
Outcome
Application for interim relief rejected
Legal Topics
Homelessness, Statutory Duties of Local Authorities, Suitability of Accommodation, COVID 19 Emergency Measures
Administrative Law Housing Law Homelessness Statutory Duties of Local Authorities Suitability of Accommodation COVID 19 Emergency Measures

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Parties

Bevis Escott

Claimant

Chichester District Council

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Judicial Review / Application for Interim Relief

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the local authority acted unlawfully by failing to provide suitable accommodation including basic furniture and white goods to a vulnerable homeless applicant during the COVID-19 pandemic

Ratio Decidendi

The local authority did not act unlawfully in failing to provide a fridge, cooker, or bed as part of its statutory duty to provide suitable accommodation. The duty does not require the provision of furnished accommodation, and the authority acted reasonably in the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Court Disposition

Application for interim relief rejected