High Court Set to Hear Croydon’s Judicial Review on Controversial Housing Walk-In Service Closure

A resident from Croydon has successfully obtained the right to challenge the local council’s decision to close a walk-in service for individuals seeking support for homelessness. A High Court judge determined that there was insufficient evidence to demonstrate that Croydon Council had implemented adequate measures for those unable to book appointments online. This decision is now subject to a judicial review.

Last year, residents expressed their frustrations to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) as they faced long queues outside the council’s Bernard Weatherill House, located just metres from a busy flyover, to secure housing appointments. A charity support officer described the situation as “chaotic” and “dehumanising” for families waiting to access essential services.

Legal Representation and Broader Implications

The Public Interest Law Centre (PILC), representing the resident in this case, argues that Croydon’s closure of Access Croydon has a detrimental impact on those in urgent need of housing assistance. They contend that the outcome of this case could have significant ramifications not only across London but potentially nationwide.

During proceedings at the Royal Courts of Justice on 7th July, District Judge Alan Bates granted permission for the claimant to challenge the council’s decision to close its walk-in homelessness service on Mint Walk, which is set to occur in March 2025. This decision was made by the then chief executive of the council, Katherine Kerswell, in a meeting attended by Mayor Jason Perry.

The PILC initiated the High Court challenge last year, asserting that the closure of the walk-in service breached the council’s legal obligations to homeless individuals and unfairly disadvantaged those lacking digital access by shifting applications online. The claim also highlighted that the decision was made without proper documentation, violating local authority regulations and Croydon’s own constitutional guidelines.

Challenges Faced by Vulnerable Residents

In court, the claimant’s counsel, Tom Hickman KC, detailed how the individual first sought assistance from Croydon’s homelessness services after receiving a Section 21 eviction notice. He noted that the claimant’s learning disabilities and illiteracy hindered their ability to access alternative arrangements, such as an online form for booking housing advice appointments.

The council has claimed to provide support for those who are “digitally excluded” by directing residents to local libraries where they can access computers and receive assistance from staff. However, Judge Bates raised concerns regarding the lack of specifics regarding these alternative provisions, questioning who would assist the individuals and whether library staff had received appropriate training to help those seeking homelessness support.

The council’s reliance on telephone appointments was also scrutinised, with Judge Bates acknowledging the high volume of unanswered calls and the lengthy wait times for residents on hold. While counsel for Croydon pointed out that the applicant was not technically homeless, Judge Bates disagreed, asserting that the ongoing closure adversely affects residents and could impact others in similar situations.

Council’s Response to Service Closure

In response to the closure, Croydon Council characterised it as “a change in how the council supports people at its front door,” attributing the decision to high demand and financial constraints. Mayor Perry stated, “The current walk-in service means that, at this time of extreme demand, too often residents are waiting too long to get the help that they need.” He further explained that an appointment system allows for better prioritisation of cases and enhances operational efficiency while ensuring safety.

The closure of Croydon’s walk-in service reflects a broader trend across London, with a recent study by King’s College London revealing that only three out of the city’s 33 local authorities still offer face-to-face drop-in services for those experiencing homelessness.

Concerns Over Access to Essential Services

Alexandra Goldenberg of the PILC commented on the situation, stating, “In the middle of a housing crisis, Croydon Council has closed their walk-in services. These barriers risk creating discriminatory access to homelessness services, leaving many vulnerable individuals unable to obtain the support they desperately need and are legally entitled to.”

Permission for a judicial review concerning the legality of the service closure has been granted on four out of the five grounds presented by the claimant. Croydon Council has until 7th September to submit detailed grounds of defence and any further evidence. The claimant will then have until 21st September to respond, with a date for the judicial review hearing yet to be established.