
London borough faces legal action over proposed closure of respite facility
The London Borough of Ealing is facing legal action over proposals to close a respite care facility for young people with complex disabilities. The proceedings against the council are being brought by law firm Irwin Mitchell on behalf of the family of a 17-year-old, severely disabled boy (C) who has used Heller House in Southall for two nights per week since December 2010. C has also used the nine-bedroom children’s home for short breaks. Ealing took the decision on 16 February to close the facility. The claimant argues, however, that no alternative respite care has been formalised and children who use Heller House could be forced to travel out of the borough. Calling on the council to rescind its decision, Irwin Mitchell claimed that, because Ealing decided to close the…