It was not unfair to fail to consult on an alternative that was not realistic and signposting consultees to additional information had been, on the facts, fairWednesbury unreasonableness:unrealistic alternatives

Facts: Vale of Glamorgan decided, in principle, to close libraries, unless it was possible to develop community-led libraries.

Judgment: Elisabeth Laing J held that it had not been unfair of the Vale of Glamorgan not to consult on the possible alternative option, of making financial savings by reducing library opening hours, or to draw attention to the disadvantages of community-led libraries because (i) reduced library opening hours was not, on the facts, a realistic alternative that could produce the necessary savings; (ii) sufficient information had been given about the proposals to permit an informed response, including a signpost to a review which referred to the disadvantages of community-led libraries; and (iii) in any event, in relation to both complaints, the consultation document included a box for additional comments, which could have been utilised to make either complaint.