JR lodged challenging local authority charging policy

Leigh Day solicitors reporting -

A young woman who suffers Down Syndrome and has associated learning difficulties is making a legal case against newly imposed charges for respite care that her family fears will prevent her ever being able to become independent.

Leigh Day solicitor Rowan Smith makes the case that the charges contravene his client’s human rights on the following grounds:
- The Charging Policy discriminates against severely disabled people who are not in work, contrary to Article 14 ECHR read with Article 1 of Protocol 1 and Article 8
- The Charging Policy indirectly discriminates against adults with Down Syndrome, contrary to sections 19 and 29 Equality Act 2010
- Norfolk County Council failed to discharge its Public Sector Equality Duty in implementing the second phase of cuts to the Minimum Income Guarantee.