Jerome Young v The Mayor & Burgesses of the London Borough of Wandsworth [2025] EWCA Civ 1209

[2025] EWCA Civ 1209Case No CA-2025-000320
IN THE COURT OF APPEAL (CIVIL DIVISION)
ON APPEAL FROM CENTRAL LONDON COUNTY COURT
HHJ SAGGERSON
H00WT502
Venue Royal Courts of JusticeDate 31 July 2025
Strand
London
WC2A 2LL
LORD JUSTICE NUGEE
JEROME YOUNGAppellant(by his litigation friend the Official Solicitor)AppellantTHE MAYOR & BURGESSES OF THERespondentLONDON BOROUGH OF WANDSWORTHRespondent
MR DANIEL GRUTTERS (instructed by Morrison Spowart Solicitors)appeared for Defendant / AppellantMR LINDSAY JOHNSON (instructed by South London Legal Partnership)appeared for Claimant / Respondent
APPROVED JUDGMENTIf this Transcript is to be reported or published, there is a requirement to ensure that no reporting restriction will be breached. This is particularly important in relation to any case involving a sexual offence, where the victim is guaranteed lifetime anonymity (Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992), or where an order has been made in relation to a young person.This Transcript is Crown Copyright.  It may not be reproduced in whole or in part other than in accordance with relevant licence or with the express consent of the Authority.  All rights are reserved.Digital Transcription by Marten Walsh Cherer Ltd2 nd Floor, Quality House, 6-9 Quality Court, Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1HPTel No: 020 7067 2900. DX: 410 LDEEmail: info@martenwalshcherer.com
[1]With considerable misgiving, I am going to give you permission to appeal, Mr Grutters. I think you have persuaded me that this legislation, which is notoriously difficult to apply, is sufficiently unclear that local authorities up and down the country really ought to know when and in what circumstances they have to tell clients that they are entitled to reviews. I do accept that it is at least possible that a review by the local authority is rather different from a decision by a district judge.[2]It does not mean that I have actually changed any of the views I expressed in the order I made previously but I am persuaded that the contrary is sufficiently arguable to allow you to take it forward to a full appeal without, I have to say, very much encouragement to believe that you will succeed. However, I think you should have the opportunity to try to persuade three of my colleagues that my views are wrong.[3]So I will give you permission to appeal. I will continue the stay until determination of the appeal. I suggest it be listed for a day. ---------------- (This Judgment has been approved by the Judge.) Digital Transcription by Marten Walsh Cherer Ltd 2nd Floor, Quality House, 6-9 Quality Court, Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1HP Tel No: 020 7067 2900. DX: 410 LDE Email: info@martenwalshcherer.com Web: www.martenwalshcherer.com