Driving change: A story of success
At Access Social Care, our commitment to providing access to justice drives every aspect of our work. Recently we were delighted to resolve a pressing case brought to us by our member organisation Dimensions, who support people with learning disabilities and autism.
The case centred around the vital need to secure transportation for a Dimensions client. They were about to lose access to their lease car, which they relied on to visit their family, go to the supermarket, and undertake other activities that are important for their wellbeing.
Despite months of effort by Dimensions’ Locality Manager, the Local Authority’s inaction left the client facing the imminent loss of the car. The potential consequences were serious. Without access to reliable transportation, their ability to engage in community activities, make trips, and maintain connections with their family would be severely compromised. This not only threatened their wellbeing, but also posed risks to their safety and autonomy.
When Dimensions got in touch with us, we began the process of advocating on behalf of the client. We drafted a letter to the Local Authority outlining their duties under the Care Act, and emphasising that their inaction was unlawful. The message was clear: they urgently needed to secure transportation to meet the client’s essential needs.
We’re incredibly pleased to report that the Local Authority conceded and made the application for a car, which was sorted in time for the client. Not only this, but it catalysed a broader change in the Local Authority's approach to these applications, and had a wider impact on other Dimensions clients in the area. This shows the power of challenging a Local Authority’s inaction or unlawful decisions – it not only secures justice for individual clients, but can also drive wider positive change.
“I would like to thank you very much for your help and support. This has been a battle that I have been fighting for a good couple of years and to finally get the outcome we hoped for is great for the person we support.” - Dimensions Locality Manager