R (GB) v Hampshire County Council

[2019] EWHC 3572 (Admin)

Ratio Decidendi

Local authorities must assess and make provision for children with special educational needs within statutory timeframes; failure to do so is unlawful.

Fakty

A parent challenged the local authority's failure to finalise an Education, Health and Care plan within the 20-week statutory timeframe.

Podsumowanie orzeczenia

The court held the delay was unlawful and granted a mandatory order requiring the local authority to finalise the EHC plan. Systematic failures to meet statutory timeframes could give rise to judicial review.

Kluczowe cytaty

"Parliament set clear timeframes for EHC assessments. Systematic failure to meet them is unlawful."
— Lieven J

Późniejsze zastosowanie

Applied

Cited in subsequent SEND tribunal and judicial review cases.