Government Loses Supreme Court Fight Over Bedroom Tax

The supreme court has ruled against the UK government’s attempts to force the bedroom tax on 155 partners of people with severe disabilities, in a decision that will hamper ministerial attempts to water down human rights legislation. A unanimous judgment delivered by the court’s president, Lady Hale, ruled that applying a 14% housing benefit reduction to a man, referred only as RR, was a breach of his right to home under the Human Rights Act. RR’s partner is severely disabled so “it is accepted” that the couple need an extra bedroom for her medical equipment, Hale said. Read more on the Guardian website.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/nov/13/uk-government-loses-supreme-court-fight-over-bedroom-tax

Equalities Guidance Published For Social Housing Providers

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has published guidance that explains how human rights law can help Britain’s social housing providers deliver the best possible service to tenants. “Human Rights at Home: guidance for social housing providers” gives practical advice on how the Human Rights Act relates to issues including allocation of housing, the terms of tenancy agreements, repairs and maintenance, and anti-social behaviour. While social housing providers are obliged to comply with the Human Rights Act in dealing with their tenants and others, the guidance makes it clear that this law does not give people a right to housing or prevent landlords from taking proportionate action if tenants do not pay their rent or engage in anti-social behaviour. Download a copy of the report from the EHRC website.