Regular readers will know that in August 2015 the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (SSCLG) changed the definition of Gypsy/Traveller (or “traveller” as the SSCLG insists on saying) for planning purposes.

At the Birmingham Law Society Legal Awards 2017 which took place on the evening of Thursday 9th March 2017, CLP were awarded Law Firm of the Year (5 to 15 partners).  The Judges said:- “The firm has demonstrated outstanding commitment in helping the less privileged have access to justice.  It has done so in circumstances where public funding is extremely limited.  The firm supports clients in need and they also nurture local students and an extensive network of community organisations”.

Left to right:- John Sargeant (who presented the awards); Mike McIlvaney; Jenny Malone; Craig Keenan; Holly Sherratt; Rosaleen Kilbane and Mr Rollason (from Landmark Information who sponsored the award).

Jones v Canal & River Trust [2017] EWCA Civ 135

The claim by Canal & River Trust (CRT) in this action is for a declaration and injunction that it is entitled to remove the Appellant’s boat, “The Mrs T”, from its waterways ( covering over 2,000 miles) under s.8 of the British Waterways Act 1983 and s.13 of the British Waterways Act 1971.

Birmingham City Council v Stephenson [2016] EWCA Civ 1029, 27 September 2016.

In September 2015 Birmingham City Council (BCC) issued proceedings to repossess Mr Stephenson’s home on grounds of noise nuisance. Mr Stephenson, who suffers from paranoid schizophrenia, had been granted an introductory tenancy to his flat the previous year following being homeless for a number of years.