GUA -v- Cheshire West and Cheshire Council (anonymity order)

Administrative CourtHigh CourtKing's Bench DivisionAnonymity Order

Case number: AC-2025-MAN-000354

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

In the matter of an application for judicial review

15 August 2025

Before:

Karen Ridge,
sitting as a Deputy Judge of the High Court

Between:
The King
on the application of
GUA
(by his Litigation Friend, HSJ)

-v-

Cheshire West and Cheshire Council

Order

On an application by the Claimant for expedition, anonymity and interim relief

Following consideration of the documents lodged by the Claimant

ORDER by Karen Ridge sitting as a Deputy Judge of the High Court, on the 15/08/2025

Anonymity

  1. (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 GUA.

(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.

(e) This order will be reviewed (a) at the stage when a decision is made on whether permission should be granted; and (b) after final determination of the claim.

2. The Claimant is permitted to conduct these proceedings by his Litigation Friend who shall hereinafter be referred to as HSJ.

3. The acknowledgement of service shall be filed and served within 14 days of the date of service of the claim form.

4. The Claimant shall file and serve any Reply 3 working days from the date of service of the acknowledgement of service form.  Such a reply shall include details of the progression of the case involving PW’s sibling and any applications for the cases to be joined or heard together.

5. The Claimant’s applications for interim relief, directions and permission shall be placed before a judge within 2 working days of receipt of a Reply to consider the Claimant’s application for interim relief and whether the matter should be listed for a rolled up hearing.

6. Costs reserved.

    Observations

    1. The Claimant is a child who has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Pathological Demand Avoidance.  He has an EHCP dated 6 March 2025.  There have been ongoing difficulties in making educational provision for the Claimant who is currently not receiving any provision.
    2. It is appropriate to make an anonymity order to protect the interests of the Claimant who is a child.  There are therefore compelling reasons for the limited derogations from the principle of open justice.  A certificate of suitability has been filed and it is also appropriate to make appointment of a Litigation Friend for the Claimant.
    3. There is a clear need for matters to be resolved expeditiously, given the current absence of educational provision.  For that reason I have abridged the time for service of the acknowledgment of service and for any Reply by the Claimant.
    4. There is some suggestion that the Claimant’s sibling has an ongoing claim for judicial review and an indication of a request that the claims be heard together.  The Court needs to be informed as to position in relation to this matter.  The Defendant needs a proper opportunity to explain its current position, given the challenging circumstances faced by all parties.  Once that position is known the Claimant’s application for an expedited rolled-up hearing can be considered.

    Signed: Karen Ridge
    15 August 2025