31.07.18
Christchurch’s historic legal battle against Dorset services merger concludes at High Court
A legal battle over the future of Dorset councils which has gone all the way to the High Court has concluded yesterday, with both parties now awaiting the landmark ruling.
Christchurch Borough Council, led by MP Sir Christopher Chope, challenged the plans to bring together services that would abolish the current nine Dorset councils and establish two larger, unitary authorities, aimed at saving £108m over six years.
Under the plans Christchurch would join Bournemouth and Poole councils as part of the ‘Future Dorset’ proposals voted in favour of by the eight other authorities.
Christchurch’s challenge, which claimed that the regulations formulated by then-communities secretary Sajid Javid were beyond his powers, was labelled “absurd” by current communities secretary James Brokenshire in May — yet the borough council was granted its challenge at the High Court by Mrs Justice Lambert last month, which took place and concluded yesterday.
Cllr David Flagg, leader of Christchurch Borough Council, said: “The council believe we have a strong legal argument and we are working closely with our legal advisors to prepare our case for the court hearing.
“We have been thorough and meticulous in our approach and simply being granted permission to have our case heard sends a strong message that it is wholly with merit.
Christchurch Borough Council has said it will take around two weeks for a decision to be made by the High Court.
Yesterday’s hearing took place before Sir Ross Cranston, who is sitting as a judge of the High Court.
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Image credit: PA Wire