MIA, R (on the application of) v Dorset Council

MIA, R (on the application of) v Dorset Council

The defendant's refusal to re-assess the claimant's age was irrational and unlawful because it failed to properly apply the ADCS Guidance, did not logically consider whether new evidence might lead to a significantly different conclusion, and demonstrated process and outcome irrationality by dismissing the taskira despite accepting its genuineness.

Parties
Claimant: MIA; Defendant: Dorset Council
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
29 May 2025
Procedural Posture
Judicial Review / Final Judgment Following Substantive Hearing
Outcome
Application for judicial review allowed; decisions quashed.
Legal Topics
Age Assessment, Judicial Review, Local Authority Duties, Children Act 1989, Evidentiary Standards, Process and Outcome Irrationality
Administrative Law Child Welfare Law Immigration Law Age Assessment Judicial Review Local Authority Duties Children Act 1989 Evidentiary Standards +1 more

Case Brief

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Parties

MIA

Claimant

Dorset Council

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Judicial Review / Final Judgment Following Substantive Hearing

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether Dorset Council's refusal to re-assess the claimant's age in light of new evidence was unlawful
  2. 2 Whether the decisions demonstrated process or outcome irrationality under public law principles
  3. 3 Whether the ADCS Guidance on age assessment was properly applied

Ratio Decidendi

The defendant's refusal to re-assess the claimant's age was irrational and unlawful because it failed to properly apply the ADCS Guidance, did not logically consider whether new evidence might lead to a significantly different conclusion, and demonstrated process and outcome irrationality by dismissing the taskira despite accepting its genuineness.

Court Disposition

Application for judicial review allowed; decisions quashed.

Orders

  • Mandatory order requiring Dorset Council to undertake a re-assessment of the claimant's age taking account of the taskira and related expert reports.
  • Declaration that the refusals to re-assess were unlawful.