Oxfordshire County Council v P & Anor [2026] EWCOP 33 (T2)

Best interests judgment concerning whether P should remain in a supported living placement which she moved to after her carer, her grandmother, had fallen ill. ​

P is a young woman born in 2001 with a learning disability, limited verbal communication, and complex emotional needs arising from significant childhood trauma. She lacks capacity regarding residence, care, and contact arrangements. Having lived with her grandmother G for many years, P moved to supported living in early 2026 as a result of G's ill-health. The central issue was whether it remained in P's best interests to stay in her current supported living placement or return to live with G on a trial basis. The LA and the Official Solicitor opposed the return..

HHJ Owens agreed it was in P's best interests to remain in her supported living placement. G, despite clearly loving P, repeatedly failed to prioritise P's needs over her own, lacked insight into P's complex requirements, and showed a consistent pattern of disregarding professional guidance, including the Positive Behavioural Support plan. Concerns also arose regarding P's uncle and the sustainability of the proposed care arrangements. The court rejected prolonging proceedings further, finding the ongoing litigation itself was causing P harm. Deprivation of liberty was authorised for twelve months, and doubts were raised about G's suitability to act as P's rule 1.2 representative.

Read the judgment on Bailii