판결 이유
When a local authority places a homeless household in accommodation outside its district, it must explain its decision-making process and the efforts made to secure accommodation within or as close to the district as possible.
사실관계
A homeless mother with children was placed in temporary accommodation far from Westminster. She challenged the decision, arguing inadequate consideration of her needs to remain in the borough.
판결 요약
The Supreme Court held that the local authority must have a policy for procuring sufficient accommodation in its district and must explain its decision when offering out-of-borough accommodation, taking into account the statutory requirements.
주요 인용문
"The authority should explain the efforts made to secure accommodation within the borough and why it was not possible."
— Lady Hale
후속 처리
Followed in subsequent out-of-borough placement cases under the homelessness legislation.