Council await judicial review verdict on One Barnet outsourcing scheme

By Tim Lamden

Published: 5:27 PM March 25, 2013 Updated: 1:34 PM October 14, 2020

Maria Nash (centre) with supporters outside the Royal Courts of Justice last week. Picture: Polly Hancock. - Credit: Archant

Barnet Council is awaiting a High Court judgement on the legality of its multi-million pound One Barnet outsourcing scheme following a judicial review hearing last week.

Lawyers instructed by New Barnet disabled resident Maria Nash, 68, locked horns with the council’s legal team during a three-day case at the Royal Courts of Justice which began last Tuesday.

After hearing all the evidence put forward by barristers representing both Maria Nash and Barnet Council, judge Mr Justice Underhill adjourned the hearing last Thursday to consider a final judgement.

The case will re-convene for a ruling on a date to be fixed, believed to be after Easter.

One Barnet was set up by Barnet Council to outsource up to £600million worth of services to two private companies over the next 10 years.

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Ms Nash, who received government aid to fund the legal bid, called for the judicial review on the grounds that the council allegedly failed to consult with residents about One Barnet.

Her lawyers also claimed that the council failed to meet equality obligations in relation to the plans, which attracted a petition with 8,000 signatures in January calling for a referendum on One Barnet.