Families who rely on a respite centre for disabled children could have to wait weeks to find out whether a decision to cut funding went through a “fair process”.

Irwin Mitchell solicitors gained permission for the Nascot Lawn case to be heard in a judicial review at the High Courts of Justice on February 6 and 7.

Herts Valleys Clinical Commissioning Group (HVCCG) announced on November 16 last year it intended to stop the £650,000 of funding it previously provided.

Parents say that they were told the centre, in Langley Road, Watford, is expected to close on May 17 but “no alternative” care provision has yet been offered.

They questioned whether they were “consulted lawfully” over the plans but Justice Mostyn – who heard the case – concluded on Wednesday that he would make a decision as soon as “he reasonably could”.

During the second day of the hearing, the judge heard that the HVCCG’s impact assessments of the children’s needs were “whole and complete” when the decision was made.

The court head: “These assessments were taken by professionals and their expert assessment is not a matter which could be challenged.

“It would be wrong to assert that we had to go further down the road of respite care before a decision was lawfully taken.

“Under section three of the NHS Act, the service was not reasonably required to be provide the care it did.”

Justice Mostyn argued if Nascot Lawn is deemed a health service, then “there is an expectation to consult on the local authority” before a decision to cut funding is made.

However, it was agreed that “respite service should not be considered as a health service”.

Barrister Jennie Richard QC spoke on behalf of the claimants during the hearing and criticised the consultation process being called an “engagement” instead.

She said: “If there is no difference between a consultation and engagement, why did they call it an engagement?”

Justice Mostyn pondered other options available around Hertfordshire and weighed up whether Nascot Lawn would be a better location or the nearest alternative centre in West Hyde.

He then asked: “If the local authority had the money, could it just take over?

Ms Richard responded: “It is a service provided by an NHS Trust and so they cannot commission a nursing service.”

Angelina Murphy’s eight-year-old son Liam has conditions including epilepsy and Down ’s syndrome.

They rely on Nascot Lawn as it provides nurses to help children with complex needs, unlike other centres around the county.

She spoke after the hearing and said: “It’s a really tough call. I don’t know what the outcome will be as there were strong arguments on both sides.

“We just have no option but to go through the waiting process now but we know we have all done everything we possibly can.”