Tom Hickman Acts in Challenge to Homelessness Service Closure

GCDC member Professor Tom Hickman is representing a claimant in legal proceedings challenging Croydon Council’s decision to close its walk-in homelessness service, Access Croydon, and move to an appointment-based system only accessible online or by telephone.

At a High Court hearing in London, Hickman argued that Council’s decision disadvantaged people who are digitally excluded, including the claimant, whose learning disabilities prevented him from using the appointment system introduced by the Council.

The Court has now granted permission to proceed with the application for judicial review into the Council’s decision. The case could have significant implications for the provision of homelessness services across London, where only a small number of boroughs continue to offer face-to-face walk-in services.

Read a report of the case on The Standard.