Re A; A v A Local Authority [2011] EWHC 727 (COP)
A, represented by the OS, appealed under MCA 2005 s21 against a DOLS standard authorisation; the other parties, including A's son, argued that A lacked capacity and that his current placement was in his best interests. The OS wanted an up-to-date assessment of capacity and a report on best interests, suggesting a COP Visitor report as being the proportionate method: the report would determine whether to dispose of the case by consent or seek further directions. Given the clear evidence, had it been a child best interests case there would have been summary judgment; however, the MCA laid down stringent conditions for deprivation of liberty, so the court cannot act as a rubber stamp and the OS must be allowed to carry out his duty of representing A as he thought fit. Having regard to the overriding objective, the COP Visitor method, and likely disposal without a further hearing, was the best way forward.
Other
Before: Sir Nicholas Wall P
Hearing: 16/3/11
Judgment: 29/3/11
John McKendrick (instructed by Maxwell Gillott on behalf of the Official Solictor) for the Appellant
Victoria Butler - Cole (instructed by a Local Authority) for the 1st Respondent
The Second Respondent did not appear
The Third Respondent appeared in person
Citations
A v (1) A Local Authority, (2) A Care Home Manager and (3) S
Case No: COP11947596
[2011] All ER (D) 79 (Apr)