Judgement reserved in Wandsworth case

Judgement reserved in Wandsworth case Two appeal court judges
have reserved judgement in a case to determine whether services for
disabled children should be provided as a right, or whether parents
should be means-tested.

Michael and Henrietta Spink have been battling in the courts
since Wandsworth Council in London said they would have to pay
£40,000 towards the cost of adapting their home to meet the
needs of their children, Henry, 17, and Freddie, 12, who both have
severe disabilities.

The council currently pays £60,000 a year for a care
package for the children.

Richard Gordon QC, representing the parents, said they could not
afford to contribute towards their children’s care. But the council
believed they could.

The Spinks brought the appeal after a High Court judge ruled
last October that Wandsworth had not acted unlawfully by refusing
to provide the essential care equipment at the couple’s home.