Who? Patrick Dunne, solicitor, Imran Khan and Partners, London.
Why is he in the news? Represents tenants in Woolwich, south-east London, who are taking legal action against their housing association, PA Housing, over alleged excessive heat.
Thoughts on the case: ‘We believe this is a novel case where we are using the provisions under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 (and the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 before it) to challenge housing conditions which are, it is alleged, excessively hot. Unfortunately, our clients live in a block of flats which for large parts of the year is, it is alleged, unbearably hot, registering temperatures of over 43 degrees. We consider that this issue means that our clients’ homes are allegedly unfit for human habitation as defined by the act.
‘By working with residents collectively, we are also attempting to empower tenants who otherwise find themselves in a legal aid desert, or in the hands of firms who commercially farm claims. We want people to know that they can challenge their landlord around their living conditions, and to, hopefully, achieve some accountability and recompense for having to live in conditions which are allegedly unfit for their habitation.’
PA Housing declined to comment.
Dealing with the media: ‘Media coverage, used carefully and appropriately, can be an important tool in the life of a case. In respect of this case, we had established links with clients at the property to investigate their claims, but noted that the BBC was separately reporting on the issues of alleged hot homes at the property. One of the benefits of media coverage, for which I am grateful to the BBC, is giving our clients a voice, which they often feel goes unheard by their landlord.’
Why become a lawyer? ‘I want to secure material improvements for my clients, who do not have the power, either financially, socially or politically, to improve their living conditions or enforce their basic rights.’
Career high: ‘Securing a highly critical inquest finding, in relation to inadequate mental health care for a young girl with autism, who took her own life, and settling the resulting civil claim. I am only one-week qualified, so I hope there are many highs to come.’
Career low: ‘Any time we are unable to pursue an action due to practicalities surrounding funding or the provision of legal aid.’
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