Legal

• A missed opportunity?

  The Mental Health (Amendment) Bill should soften financial and operational pressure on local authorities, but it will still leave them open to legal exposure, argues Morris Hill.

  

• Government acted ‘unlawfully’ over Dubs Amendment

  The Court of Appeal ruled yesterday that the Government acted ‘unlawfully’ in not giving reasons to children refused entry to Britain under the Dubs Amendment.

  

• Welfare support has 'collapsed' for many in England

  One in six top-tier councils are not providing vital welfare services devolved to them just as the sector’s budget cuts hit hard.

  

• Court rules bereavement benefit restrictions breaches human rights

  Denying bereavement benefits to unmarried, cohabiting partners with children is incompatible with human rights law, court rules.

  

• Council recovers housing benefit payments from rogue landlord

  In a landmark case, Thurrock council has successfully recovered housing benefit from a landlord who forced a tenant to live in appalling conditions.

  

• Council first to use new legal powers to demand Brexit clarity

  The leader of Plymouth City Council is hoping to force the Government to reveal the impact Brexit will have on the city through the use of new legal powers.

  

• Council secures injunction against travellers

  Bromley Council has been granted an interim High Court injunction to prevent illegal travellers from setting up in the borough.

  

• Northamptonshire library closures ruled ‘unlawful’

  The decision to close 21 council-run libraries in Northamptonshire was made unlawfully, a court has ruled.

  

• Christchurch refused permission to appeal reorganisation judgement

  Christchurch Borough Council has been refused leave to appeal the judgement about local government reorganisation.

  

• Council faces legal action over pothole death

  Warwickshire County Council is facing possible legal action after delays in repairing a pothole led to the death of a cyclist.