R (DF) v Essex County Council

Subject Matter

CHILDREN — Children in need — Welfare services

[2023] EWHC 3330 (Admin), KBD

CHILDREN — Children in need — Welfare services — Accommodation — Claimant alleging local authority failing to provide accommodation in breach of statutory duty — Whether need for accommodation under duty owed to children to be assessed in accordance with definition of homelessness under housing legislation — Whether claimant in need of accommodation — Whether claimant entitled to continuing support as “former relevant child” — Children Act 1989 (c 41), ss 17, 20, 23C — Housing Act 1996 (c 52), ss 175, 193

[2024] EWCA Civ 1545; [2025] PTSR 806; [2025] 2 FLR 162; [2024] WLR(D) 544, CA

CHILDREN — Children in need — Welfare services — Accommodation — Claimant alleging local authority failing to provide her with accommodation and support in breach of statutory duty owed to children — Whether claimant requiring accommodation — Whether need for accommodation to be assessed in accordance with definition of homelessness under housing legislation — Whether claimant entitled to continuing support as “former relevant child” — Children Act 1989 (c 41), ss 17, 20, 23C — Housing Act 1996 (c 52), ss 175, 193

[2024] EWCA Civ 1545; [2025] PTSR 806; [2025] 2 FLR 162; [2024] WLR(D) 544, CA

Appellate History

Commentary

Nearly Legal
Housing and Children Act – homeless 17 year olds Case comment