Homelessness appeals and whether delays in getting solicitors are a good reason for bringing an appeal late (Al Ahmed v Mayor and Burgesses of Tower Hamlets London Borough)

Article summary

Local Government analysis: Mr Al Ahmed, a homeless person, sought assistance from the local authority. The local authority decided that he was not in priority need for homelessness assistance. On a statutory review, that decision was upheld. Mr Al Ahmed appealed to the county court. However he failed to issue his appeal on time because of delays in finding solicitors who could draft the appeal for him. The county court granted him an extension of time for issuing his appeal, deciding that difficulties in finding lawyers was a good reason for not managing to issue the appeal on time. The High Court disagreed and overturned that decision. The Court of Appeal found for Mr Al Ahmed, deciding that when a court is considering whether a person has a good reason for delay in issuing their appeal, all the circumstances should be taken into account without restriction or qualification. Written by Alexander Campbell, barrister, at Field Court Chambers. Sign in or take a trial to read the full analysis.