Redbridge Council pays £20,000 to disabled man over unsuitable housing

A disabled man, identified as CPH, has received a £20,000 payout from Redbridge Council after being housed in accommodation that lacked essential accessibility features. CPH, who is paralysed from the waist down and has the use of only one arm, was forced to drag himself to the toilet because his wheelchair could not reach the bathroom. The accommodation also lacked accessible kitchen and laundry facilities.

Living conditions and legal action

CPH had been living in council-provided accommodation since at least 2020. His lawyers stated that the lack of facilities meant he struggled to use the shared kitchen and could not do his own laundry. The situation persisted even after the council's adult social care team acknowledged his care needs in August 2023. CPH's partner, who provided essential care, was initially restricted from staying overnight, leading CPH to sleep rough with her rather than remain in the inadequate housing.

In November 2024, CPH initiated judicial review proceedings against Redbridge Council concerning his living conditions. An occupational therapy assessment proposed that CPH use a commode in his bedroom or kitchen, with assistance, rather than use the bathroom. This recommendation, according to his legal team, meant he would no longer use the bathroom at all. An independent occupational therapist later concluded that CPH required relocation to suitable, adapted accommodation.

After suitable accommodation was not immediately provided, CPH launched a second urgent judicial review in July 2025. He alleged breaches of the Care Act 2014, human rights legislation, and disability discrimination laws. This case concluded with Redbridge Council agreeing to offer alternative accommodation and acknowledging that only fully adapted, wheelchair-accessible housing was appropriate for CPH.

CPH moved into new accommodation featuring an adapted wet room on July 31, 2025. His remaining claim for damages under the Human Rights Act 1998 and Equality Act 2010 was transferred to the County Court and has now been settled for £20,000.

Lawyers from Bindmans commented that the case highlights the severe consequences of local authorities failing to provide adequate housing and support for disabled individuals, and the importance of pursuing damages claims under human rights and equality legislation when such failures are significant.

Redbridge Council has been approached for comment by The Standard.