Discrimination claim against council officer “totally without merit”, court rules

The claim of discrimination, harassment and victimisation under Sections 13, 26, 27, 111 and 112 of the Equality Act 2010, heard at the Royal Courts of Justice on 28 August 2026, followed an allegation that a Civil Enforcement Officer was engaged in a transphobic attack on the morning of Monday, 13 October 2025 in relation to a parking dispute.

The council's Director of Regeneration, Customer and Commercial Services, Mr Benjamin Wood, reviewed bodycam footage of the incident and video evidence submitted by the claimant and dismissed the complaint on Tuesday, 14 October 2025, after determining that the footage provided no evidence of a transphobic attack. 

The subsequent claim against Mr Wood alleged that his assessment of the incident was based on hostility and bias towards an individual with protected characteristics under the Equality Act.

At the hearing, the court found that the claim was not a genuine one, with the claimant offering acceptance that the alleged transphobic attack had not actually occurred - as confirmed by video/body-worn footage and independent witness evidence.

The council said: “The allegations were unsupported by evidence capable of establishing the causes of action and revealed no realistic prospect of success.”

 According to East Hertfordshire, the council will now seek to pursue the costs associated with defending a member of staff through the judicial process.

Cllr Joseph Dumont, Executive Member for Corporate Services at East Hertfordshire District Council, said: “Cases where officers are personally named in legal action are relatively uncommon, but local authority staff must be able to carry out their professional responsibilities without fear of being subjected to unfounded personal claims. The council has a duty of care to its employees and will provide support, including legal assistance, where needed.

“We fully support the right of residents to raise genuine concerns or complaints and are committed to handling those matters openly, fairly and transparently. However, where claims are found to be without foundation, the council will robustly defend its staff, both in the interests of fairness to those employees and the responsible use of public funds.”

Lottie Winson