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30/07/2013
Families Lose Housing Benefit Challenge
The High Court has ruled that the reduction in housing benefit introduced in April does not breach human rights.
The verdict was delivered in response to a challenge by 10 families, who brought a judicial review into lower payments for those deemed to be living in homes larger than needed.
The action had claimed that the reduction in housing subsidy – 14% or 25% depending on how many "spare" rooms a property is deemed to have – discriminated against those with disabilities.
However, Lord Justice Law and Justice Cranston ruled that it was not for the courts to "micromanage" policy decisions.
A solicitor representing the families said that they were "bitterly disappointed with today's decision, but they are not defeated".
It is understood that they plan to appeal the ruling.
(MH/JP)
The verdict was delivered in response to a challenge by 10 families, who brought a judicial review into lower payments for those deemed to be living in homes larger than needed.
The action had claimed that the reduction in housing subsidy – 14% or 25% depending on how many "spare" rooms a property is deemed to have – discriminated against those with disabilities.
However, Lord Justice Law and Justice Cranston ruled that it was not for the courts to "micromanage" policy decisions.
A solicitor representing the families said that they were "bitterly disappointed with today's decision, but they are not defeated".
It is understood that they plan to appeal the ruling.
(MH/JP)
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