Disabled man settles case against city council for false imprisonment and breaches of human rights

The man, David, has cerebral palsy, autism, and learning disabilities.

David moved into Concord Lodge in Bristol in 2015 after his previous care arrangements broke down.

He was expected to spend only a few weeks there, but remained for more than eight years, despite the placement being considered “unsuitable for his needs”, said law firm Simpson Millar.

David instructed lawyers to challenge Bristol City Council for keeping him at Concord Lodge and to bring a compensation claim against the council for false imprisonment and breaches of his human rights.

In 2020, the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman found that the council had paid insufficient regard to David’s human rights and repeatedly failed to take the action needed to secure appropriate accommodation.

Despite this, David was not allowed to return to his own flat until 2024, and only after Simpson Millar sent a pre-action letter to the council, said the law firm.

The council settled the case in March 2026 without admitting liability, but did pay David £25,000.

Eve French, Solicitor at Simpson Millar, said: “It shouldn't take years of fighting and legal action to move someone out of an inappropriate placement. Sadly, however, this is not an isolated case. Across the country, people with complex needs are effectively parked in unsuitable care because there is nowhere else for them to go, and not enough support to help them move on.

“Charities and NGOs are often the safety net, stepping in where public services fall short, and David has been supported throughout this case by an incredible network of family and friends. But it doesn't seem right that people like David have to rely on luck or goodwill to live with dignity. We hope that this settlement serves as a wake-up call for the system as a whole."

Cllr Lorraine Francis, Chair of the Adult Social Care Committee at Bristol City Council, said: “Through the adult social care, support, and services we commission, we are committed to meeting the needs of our city’s residents and helping them to remain independent and well within their communities.

“Where someone is eligible for our support following assessment, we work closely with them and their families, friends and wider support network to understand their wishes and preferences and explore suitable options that we consider will promote their wellbeing.

“In cases when major adaptations to a home are not feasible or economically viable or will fail to meet the person’s needs in enabling them to live independently, we will consider suitable care packages or alternative specialist accommodation.”

She continued: “Where a person’s needs are complex and specific, this can present additional challenges in identifying options that are both suitable in provision and location. We will of course make every attempt to offer a person’s preferred choice but, given the constraints on our available resources, as well as the limits on capacity of external providers, this may not always be achievable. Our aim is to deliver the desired outcomes in a manner that will promote wellbeing, whilst achieving the best value by allocating limited resources equitably.”

Lottie Winson