Aug 24 Update
The ICB have now submitted their summary grounds of resistance. Unfortunately, they’re defending this and not very well in my opinion. For example, the grounds state that EVERY patient on the original waiting list has been offered an alternative provider and their wait time honoured so there are no outstanding assessments. I know that isn’t true.
They’ve also issued a Statement of Costs for £12,500 and have asked that the Court refuse permission and order me to pay the full costs to date. Being unrepresented at the time of receiving this, it was incredibly stressful!
After help from a Legal Clinic at the University of Liverpool, who have been invaluable, I have now found a solicitor who can take this on. Hurrah! Given the judicial bundle review I’ve put together myself and the pagination of it, they’ve estimated a fee of £750 including VAT as they have agreed a reduced rate. They’ve also advised instructing counsel (a barrister) for advice, at a cost of £1000-2000, plus VAT.
At this point, we can assess the merit of the claim and likelihood of it being successful, as timeliness is a potential barrier. There are two potential dates the Court could use for the decision - the original decision in October, or the April final complaint response.
If we can proceed, there would then be further costs. I’ve had estimated costs of £7,500 for the full preparation for permission of the judicial review from another solicitor. It is also possible that we can aim to settle outside of judicial review, where an out of court settlement would still be a win and have impact. The route from here will depend on that advice, and the support received to fund it as I cannot possibly fund it alone.
If you are able to support this, please consider doing so. Every single £ will help.
Should the total raised exceed the costs of the legal expenses, which I cannot envision happening, any remaining funds will be donated to the Legal Centre at the University of Liverpool so that they can continue to offer the advice and support through that project to others in desperate need of legal assistance
July 24 Update
This is not just a GM issue and it isn’t just children. This is being seen across the country and this review will be the precedent that puts a stop to it all.
Please join us. Please help us fight.
For the full story and a link to our petition and the evidence, see here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/pADGAXSmMCQvdQvZ/?mibextid=WC7FNe
Thank you for your time. Please join our fight if you can