Social Welfare Updates

Our social welfare pages provide bite-sized updates on recent case-law and policy, written by Garden Court barristers specialising in adult social care, children’s services, Court of Protection (health and welfare), housing and homelessness, and welfare benefits.

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Latest Updates

Community Care Law, Administrative and Public Law | Monday 21 September 2026

Landmark Court of Appeal ruling on assessment of capacity by local authorities

Gráinne Mellon and Isaac Ricca-Richardson of the Garden Court Community Care Team acted for the Appellant, TDB.

Gráinne MellonIsaac Ricca-Richardson

Court of Protection | Monday 28 October 2024

Where does the line lie for authorisation of medical treatment under Mental Health Act 1983 or Mental Capacity Act 2005?

Blog post by Tim Baldwin of the Garden Court Chambers Court of Protection Team.

Tim Baldwin

Education Law | Monday 29 July 2024

High Court reaffirms that local authorities are under ‘absolute duty’ to secure special educational provision and grants a mandatory order

Ollie Persey of the Garden Court Education Law Team acted for the successful Claimant, instructed by Adam Mercer and Christopher McFarland of Sinclairslaw.

Ollie Persey

Garden Court Chambers | Monday 24 June 2024

When is a local authority’s charging policy for provision of social care in the community for severely disabled adults discriminatory?

Blog post by Tim Baldwin of the Garden Court Community Care Team.

Tim Baldwin

Garden Court Chambers | Monday 24 June 2024

R (Campbell) v LB Ealing [2024] – the meaning of s23 Care Act 2014

Blog post by Bethan Harris of the Garden Court Housing & Community Care Law Team.

Bethan Harris

Garden Court Chambers | Saturday 22 June 2024

Successful appeal to Upper Tribunal on test for ceasing to maintain an Education, Health and Care Plan

Blog post by Abby Buttle, a pupil at Garden Court Chambers. Ollie Persey of the Garden Court Education Law Team represented the Appellant, EM.

Ollie PerseyAbby Buttle

Garden Court Chambers | Thursday 25 April 2024

Government consultation on “reforms to social housing allocations”, publicised as “British homes for British workers”

Blog post by Liz Davies KC of the Garden Court Housing Team.

Liz Davies KC

Garden Court Chambers | Monday 22 April 2024

Ensuring equal access to social welfare: The impact of SSWP v AT on welfare benefits and access to housing

Blog post by Georgie Rea of the Garden Court Chambers Community Care Team.

Georgie Rea

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