Genevieve Screeche-Powell

Practice Areas

Genevieve is an experienced housing and local government law barrister (called in 1997). Her social housing practice has a particular emphasis on public policy. She undertakes junior and leading work at appellate level and is an accredited mediator.

Genevieve is frequently instructed in high-profile and politically sensitive cases raising diverse issues. She also acts in cases with capacity issues, fraud, public law defences, and disability discrimination.

In 2023, she was leading counsel representing the successful local authority in the 1st Court of Appeal case to consider out-of-area placements and the extent of enquiries when a local authority is ending the homelessness relief duty using private rented sector accommodation. Moge v London Borough of Ealing [2023] EWCA Civ 464.

Career

Genevieve's significant cases include

Moge v London Borough of Ealing [2023] EWCA Civ 464 -leading counsel for successful local authority in case considering further the ramifications of Abdikadir decision.

Abdikadir v London Borough of Ealing [2022] EWCA Civ 979 - leading counsel for successful local authority. Court of Appeal determined failure to notify another authority of an out-of-borough placement did not mean the review decision was unlawful when an applicant had refused offer of accommodation.

LB v London Borough of Tower Hamlets [2020] EWCA Civ 439 - acting for successful local authority on previously untested legal issue of at what point in time future risk of domestic violence should be assessed when applicant has been found to be homeless intentionally.