William Horwood successfully defends local authority in judicial review claim

William Horwood acted for the Defendant local authority in a recent judicial review claim in the Administrative Court in Birmingham before Mr Justice Kimblin. The claim arose out of the interaction between the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010, the Children Act 1989, and the Human Rights Act 1998. By the time of the substantive clearing the claim had become hypothetical. The Claimant nevertheless invited the court to exercise its discretion to decide the claim even though it had become hypothetical. Following a review of the relevant authorities, the court accepted William’s submission that it should not exercise its discretion to decide the claim. The claim was dismissed and the Defendant was awarded its costs.

William was instructed by Robin Longhurst of Staffordshire County Council Legal Services Department.

The full judgment can be read here: Bea, R (On the Application Of) v Staffordshire County Council (Rev1) [2026] EWHC 1190 (Admin) (18 May 2026)