Cooperation between authorities CA 1989 s. 27
Under CA 1989 s. 27, a local authority may request help from listed authorities, which must comply if compatible with duties and not unduly prejudicial.
Where it appears to a local authority that any authority ... mentioned in subsection (3) could, by taking any specified action, help in the exercise of any of their functions under this Part, they may request the help of that other authority ... specifying the action in question. An authority whose help is so requested shall comply with the request if it is compatible with their own statutory or other duties and obligations and does not unduly prejudice the discharge of any of their functions. The authorities are— any local authority; . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . any local housing authority; NHS England ; any integrated care board, Local Health Board , Special Health Authority ... , National Health Service trust or NHS foundation trust ; any local authority in Wales ; and any person authorised by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this section. The Secretary of State must not authorise the Welsh Ministers under subsection (3)(e) without their consent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Text in force at .
Source: legislation.gov.uk — The National Archives (legislation.gov.uk), reproduced under licence Open Government Licence v3.0.
What it actually says
This section lets a local authority ask other public bodies listed in the section for help carrying out its duties under Part III of the Children Act. The requested body must provide that help unless giving it would conflict with its own legal duties or would seriously harm its own work. The list of bodies includes any local authority, any local housing authority, NHS England, integrated care boards, Local Health Boards, Special Health Authorities, NHS trusts, NHS foundation trusts, any local authority in Wales, and any person authorised by the Secretary of State.
When it applies
- A children's social care team asks the housing department of the same council to provide a family with priority for a council house to prevent homelessness.
- A local authority asks an NHS trust to carry out a medical assessment of a child in care to inform care planning.
- An English local authority asks a Welsh local authority for information about a child who has moved across the border.
- A local authority asks an integrated care board to fund specialised mental health support for a child with complex needs.
What this section does not say
- Does not allow individuals to force an authority to take action; only one authority can request help from another.
- Does not override other statutory duties; compliance is only required if compatible with the requested authority's own duties.
- Does not apply to private individuals, companies, or charities – only to the listed public bodies.
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This page reproduces the text of CA 1989 s. 27 in force at the date shown and explains it in general terms. It is not legal advice and takes no account of the circumstances of your case, which can change the answer completely. For a live dispute, for limitation periods, and before taking any step in court, consult a qualified lawyer in England and Wales.