The Ripple Statement

“The Ripple Project has formally written with a pre-action letter to the Edinburgh Integrated Joint Board to challenge the way its 2025–2028 Strategic Plan was approved. We believe the consultation process was too short, key information was withheld, and responses were not properly considered. We have asked the Board to withdraw the decision and re-run a lawful, transparent consultation — and we hope they will do so without the need for court action.” 

Ripple volunteers protest funding cuts by EIJB November 2024

Key Messages 

  • Why we sent a pre-action letter: This is the formal first step before a judicial review. It gives the Board the opportunity to address the legal concerns without court involvement. 

  • Main issues raised: 

  • Consultation period too short and inaccessible. 

  • Missing key documents like the Impact Assessment Analysis. 

  • Failure to consider late responses before the decision. 

  • What we’re asking for: Withdrawal of the Strategic Plan decision, re-run of a proper consultation, and publication of all relevant documents. 

  • What happens next: The Board has until 27 August 2025 to respond before we decide whether to lodge a petition with the Court of Session. 

Supporter FAQ 

1. What is a pre-action letter? 

A pre-action letter is the formal first step before a judicial review in Scotland. It sets out the legal concerns, the decision being challenged, and what we’re asking the public body to do to put things right. It gives them a chance to respond before we decide whether to go to court.  Click here to read the letter.

2. Who is it sent to? 

We have sent our letter to the Chief Officer and Chair of the Edinburgh Integrated Joint Board (EIJB). They are responsible for the Strategic Plan for health and social care in Edinburgh. 

3. Why are we doing this? 

We believe the EIJB’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan was approved after an unfair and unlawful consultation process. 
Key concerns include: 

  • The consultation period was too short. 

  • The accessible (“Easy Read”) consultation closed too close to the decision date. 

  • Key documents, including the Impact Assessment Analysis, were not published. 

  • Consultation responses were not properly considered before the decision. 

4. Are we “suing” the EIJB? 

Not yet. This is not a court case — it is a formal warning that a court case may be brought if the problems are not fixed. Our preference is for the EIJB to withdraw the decision and run a fair, lawful consultation without going to court. 

5. What happens next? 

  • The EIJB has until 27 August 2025 to reply. 

  • If their reply is unsatisfactory, we may lodge a petition for judicial review at the Court of Session. 

  • If we do go to court, we will share further updates. 

6. What can supporters do? 

  • Share accurate updates from the Ripple social media channels. 

  • Keep discussion respectful and factual — avoid personal comments about individuals involved. 

  • Share your experiences of the consultation process with us; these may help illustrate the impact of the process failures. 

7. Where can I get updates? 

  • Follow our official social media accounts. 

  • Join our mailing list. 

  • Contact us directly at: admin@theripple.org.uk. 

8. If you wish to support us:

  • Join our membership - click here

  • Join mailing list - click here

  • Keep up to date via our social media channels