Legal cases

Local authority refuses to install induction loop facilities in their town hall public meeting areas
28 January 2003 - case closed

Summary: The client was deaf and required the use of hearing aids. Over a number of years he has written to his local authority asking them to install induction loop facilities in public meeting areas. Although the local authority initially agreed to install loops, they consequently refused on the grounds of funding. They also claimed that it was not their legal duty to change physical features of the premises under the DDA as it stood. As a consequence, the client attended the local authority’s AGM but could not follow proceedings.

Interest: The case highlights problems concerning access to the democratic process. A court judgment was required to clarify whether the provision of hearing induction facilities amounted to a change to physical features (a duty that only came in to force in 2004) or is an auxiliary aid that was required under the original provisions of the DDA.

Outcome: The local authority installed a permanent induction loop facility in the main public meeting area of the town hall.

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