Hackney Council concedes judicial review challenging consultation on future of four childrens’ centres

Hackney Council has conceded a judicial review brought by local families against a consultation exercise concerning changes proposed at four council-run childrens’ centres, including the potential closure of two centres. 

The Claimants were represented by 39 Essex Chambers barristers Steve Broach KC and Jake Thorold, instructed by Alex Rook and Katie Sinclair of Rook Irwin Sweeney.

The claim was due to be heard in the High Court on 6-7 November 2024, however Hackney Council has now: (1) consented to its consultation exercise being quashed; and (2) agreed to pay the Claimants’ costs.

Hackney opted to concede the claim after the Claimants made an application to amend its claim following disclosure. The Claimants argued that Hackney Council had positively misled consultees, and in doing so breached the second Gunning principle that consultees should be provided with sufficient information to give intelligent consideration to the proposals. The Claimants argued that this rendered the consultation so unfair as to be unlawful.