FGC -v- The London Borough of Croydon (anonymity order)

Administrative CourtHigh CourtKing's Bench DivisionAnonymity Order

Claim number: AC-2026-LON-000885

In the High Court of Justice
King’s Bench Division
Administrative Court

25 February 2026

BEFORE:

THE HON. MS JUSTICE OBI

BETWEEN:

THE KING on the application of
FGC (by their litigation friend FHD)

-v-

THE LONDON BOROUGH OF CROYDON

Order

On an application by the Claimant for interim relief and urgent consideration

Following consideration of the documents lodged by the Claimant

ORDER BY THE HON. MS JUSTICE OBI

  1. Anonymity:
    (a) Pursuant to CPR 39.2(4) and/or the Court’s inherent jurisdiction and/or s. 6 of the Human Rights Act 1998:
    (i) the Claimant’s name is to be withheld from the public and must not be disclosed in any proceedings in public; and
    (ii) the Claimant is to be referred to orally and in writing as FGC, and their litigation friend as FHD.
    (b) Pursuant to s. 11 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981, there must be no publication of the identity of the Claimant or of any matter likely to lead to the identification of the Claimant in any report of, or otherwise in connection with, these proceedings.
    (c) Pursuant to CPR 5.4C(4):
    (i) the parties must within 7 days file a redacted copy of any statement of case filed, omitting the name, address and any other information likely to lead to the identification of the Claimant;
    (ii) if any statement of case subsequently filed includes information likely to lead to the identification of the Claimant, a redacted copy omitting that information must be filed at the same time;
    (iii) unless the Court grants permission under CPR 5.4C(6), no non-party many obtain a copy of any unredacted statement of case.
    (d) Any person wishing to vary or discharge this Order must make an application, served on each party.
  2. Abridgement of time and expedition:
    (a) The Defendant’s Acknowledgement of Service (CPR 54.8) must be filed and served by 4pm on 26 February 2026.
    (b) Any Reply from the Claimant (CPR 54.8A) must be filed and served by 4pm on 27 February 2026.
    (c) The papers are to be referred to a judge or deputy judge immediately thereafter.

Reasons

  1. Anonymity is necessary to protect the welfare and safety of the Claimant, who is a 17-year-old child with suspected learning needs, who alleges physical abuse, neglect, and mental health difficulties and is currently living in precarious conditions. Public identification would create a real risk of harm, including unwanted contact from family members implicated in abuse and the potential exposure of the litigation friend to familial and cultural repercussions, given the confidential circumstances of the living arrangements and the cousin’s statement that disclosure could lead to estrangement or loss of housing stability. In light of these safeguarding considerations and the nature of the private information at issue, anonymity is a necessary and proportionate derogation from the principle of open justice.
  2. Expedition is justified because the Claimant is a highly vulnerable 17-year-old who has been homeless since 2 February 2026 following physical abuse and is presently sleeping on the floor in wholly unsuitable, precarious conditions that cannot safely continue. The Defendant has repeatedly failed to provide accommodation or a lawful assessment despite urgent pre-action engagement. The Claimant faces imminent risk of street homelessness and worsening mental and physical health. Urgent consideration is therefore necessary.