Star date: 22nd July 2015

LAWYERS HELP SECOND DISABLED ADULT OVERTURN SALFORD COUNCIL TRANSPORT DECISION

"How many times must there be a legal challenge before they finally realise the negative impact this policy has had?" Solicitor

Last week Salford Council caved in during a legal case to restore transport to a severely disabled person, following closure of its Passenger Transport Unit (PTU). Now, the Council has caved in for a second time, hours before a legal challenge was due to be made.

This case related to Jennifer Barrett, who was one of the two disabled people to originally take the Council to court over the cuts... "I hope that any other families affected by the closure of the PTU consider seeking legal advice to get their transport reinstated" says mum, Elaine.

Full details here...

The full cruelty of Salford City Council cuts to transport for disabled people is now becoming apparent, as legal challenges to the policy have seen the Council cave in twice within a week before judicial reviews can be properly heard by judges...

...Jennifer Barrett has quadriplegic cerebral palsy and is unable to speak or walk. She also requires assistance with all aspects of personal care. Her access to the Council's Passenger Transport Unit (PTU) was withdrawn in April 2015 and, with no alternative means of transport, she has been unable to attend the day centre she has visited for four days a week over the past 22 years.

Jennifer was one of the two disabled people, along with Michael Robson, who originally took Salford Council to the High Court to try and stop the transport cut – a case which Salford Council was determined to defend and, strangely, won after several legal challenges (see here). Now that the affect on Jennifer's life has become apparent, the Council has agreed to provide transpoort before a further legal challenge went ahead, just like the previous case (see here).

"We are pleased that Salford City Council has now recognised that it must provide transport for Jennifer to and from her day centre following the withdrawal of the PTU" says Mathieu Culverhouse, the specialist public lawyer at Irwin Mitchell's Manchester office who is acting for Jennifer and other affected disabled adults.

"The impact that the withdrawal of the transport service has had on our clients cannot be overstated" he explains "Many are missing out on day centre support which they are entitled to as a result of this issue, with this meaning they are isolated from the local community and not gaining the specialist care they need.
 
"We were able to reach this latest agreement with Salford City Council without starting court proceedings and hope that the local authority will now quickly reconsider its position in relation to the other disabled adults we act for" he adds "How many times must there be a legal challenge before they finally realise the negative impact this policy has had?"

And Jennifer's mum, Elaine Barrett, adds: "Jennifer thoroughly enjoyed her time at her day centre and always came home happy and contented. She was able to participate in fun and stimulating activities, as well as access physiotherapy which is essential for her physical health.

"She really suffers when she is unable to go to the centre" Elaine explains "She experiences a lack of stimulation, social isolation and a loss of structure and purpose to her life. It also has a damaging effect on my ability to ensure I can meet all of her care needs too.
 
"While I am disappointed that the Council has left Jennifer unable to attend her day centre for three months, it is such a relief that transport is now being provided" she says "She will now be able to have her needs met and I can receive the respite I need as her carer. I hope that any other families affected by the closure of the PTU consider seeking legal advice to get their transport reinstated."

For more information on legal challenges see www.irwinmitchell.com