Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

News

Triumph on discriminatory ‘bedroom tax’

Published

on

‘Almost crying with happiness’: T he Rutherfords have fought for carers across the UK

‘Almost crying with happiness’: The Rutherfords have fought for carers across the UK

IN A BLOW to the UK’s Conservative government and a victory for carers for the disabled, the High Court in London has decided that the bedroom tax is unfair and discriminatory against the disabled and their carers.

In a judgement which wholly rejects representations made by the Department for Work and Pensions, a panel of judges led by Lord Chief Justice Tomlinson found in favour of a Pembrokeshire couple who had brought the action.

The successful appeal against a lower Court’s decision was made by Paul and Susan Rutherford, acting as litigation friends for the grandson, Warren.

Paul and Susan Rutherford from Pembrokeshire who care for their 14-year-old grandson Warren in a specially adapted home that includes a room for professional carers to stay in overnight, had their housing benefit reduced as they were deemed to have a spare bedroom. Warren, suffers from Potokoi-Shaffer Syndrome, a very rare genetic disorder which means he is unable to walk or talk, and needs 24 hour care by at least two people at all times.

The Conservatives’ bedroom tax meant that a bedroom used by overnight carers who look after him was counted as an additional bedroom whose presence in the family home was surplus to the family’s requirements.

Opposition politicians in Wales were swift to hail the result of the court case.

Rebecca Evans AM, Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales, sent her heartfelt congratulations to Paul, Susan and Warren on the news.

Following the Court of Appeal decision, Mrs Evans said: “I am delighted for the Rutherfords. Having visited them at home and discussed their situation I know how long and hard-fought this battle has been. It has long been clear to me that the ‘hated Bedroom tax’ is discriminatory.

“Let there be no mistake, the bedroom tax is nothing more than an ideological attack on struggling households. It is a disgrace that the majority of affected households have disabled residents. Once again, the UK Government is hitting the most vulnerable people hardest.”

Plaid Cymru Assembly Member Simon Thomas said: “The bedroom tax is a cruel policy that has been widely discredited, and criticised by United Nations inspectors as being inhumane. This latest judgement has to be welcome. Plaid Cymru has opposed the bedroom tax at every opportunity in Westminster.”

Simon Thomas continued: “The Rutherford family are to be congratulated for the compassion and care they have shown their grandson and the way they have been prepared to fight this case, even though the bedroom tax was being met by a discretionary housing payment in their circumstances. They should be awarded a medal for the way they have dedicated their lives, not penalised for having a room in the house to accommodate overnight carers.

“Families with disabled members need to be exempted from the tax immediately. Many homes occupied by disabled individuals and families have been adapted for their use at public expense. It is a nonsense to force them to move.”

William Powell, Welsh Liberal Democrat for AM for Mid and West Wales, told The Herald: “All the evidence shows that the so-called bedroom tax is unfair and needs radical reform. Despite this, the Tories stick their heads in the sand and continue to punish the most vulnerable in our society.

“The Welsh Liberal Democrats believe in protecting the most vulnerable people, which is why we have argued that disabled adults and children should be permanently exempt from this policy. This is a particular concern to parents of children and young people with autism and related conditions, as members of NAS Pembrokeshire Branch have raised with me.

“There can be no question that reform is needed, so that people who are unable to downsize because of the lack of an alternative home aren’t hit by this cut in their Housing Benefit.”

Owen Smith MP, Labour’s Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, said: “I’ve met Paul and spoke about his brave struggle at Labour conference. The fight his family have led against the Bedroom Tax should be an inspiration for all of us to stand up and campaign for what’s right.

“This victory in the Court of Appeal is a massive blow to the Tories’ Bedroom Tax. It provides a glimmer of hope for the hundreds of thousands of people who have been hit by this cruel policy.”

Secretary of State for Wales Stephen Crabb told us: “As made clear by the DWP following today’s judgement, the Government has committed to giving local councils over £870 million in extra funding over the next five years so that they can offer payments to families in difficult circumstances to ensure they don’t lose out. The Rutherford family were receiving these payments from Pembrokeshire County Council, meaning they were being awarded the same amount of housing benefit as before the reforms were introduced.

“The discretionary housing payments system is an effective safety net that helps support vulnerable residents as welfare reforms are introduced. Local councils must act fairly and reasonably when considering whether to offer the discretionary payment.”

The point made by Mr Crabb – that discretionary direct housing payments (DHP – in respect to which the Court noted future commitment is ‘uncertain’) are sufficient for the state to discharge its burden of care was one rejected by the Court. It is legal argument over whether a discretionary and temporary policy, such as DHP, can displace the absolute requirement not to discriminate against members of an easily identifiable group under UK law, which is likely to dominate any appeal the government launches against the Court decision.

Lord Justice Tomlinson and Lord Justice Vos, also pointed out that the “admitted discrimination” in each case “has not been justified by the Secretary of State”

Leading disability charity the Papworth Trust, which has been campaigning since 2013 for a fairer system for disabled people affected by the bedroom tax Papworth Trust welcomed the Court of Appeal ruling.

The charity’s research found that nine in 10 disabled people were being forced to cut back on food or pay household bills after being refused emergency housing payments to help them pay the spare room subsidy. It made written submissions in support of the Rutherfords at an earlier hearing.

Vicky McDermott, chief executive of Papworth Trust, said: “Ensuring disabled people do not lose out under the ‘bedroom tax’ policy has long been a priority for Papworth Trust.

“We have worked closely with concerned families, like the Rutherford’s, and have seen first-hand the worry and angst this has caused.

“We heard from families who were considering downsizing, even though it would mean their quality of life would drastically suffer, while others saw their spare room as a crucial lifeline to sleep carers or house disability equipment like wheelchairs and hoists.

“So we are delighted with the Court of Appeal ruling and how it will directly help Paul, Sue and Warren as well as disabled youngsters and their families in the future.”

Emily Holzhausen, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Carers UK, gave a statement of evidence in the original case which was referenced in the Court’s judgment. Ms Holzhausen argued that families who have a clear need for additional bedrooms for a carer should be entitled to an additional room; and that alternatives suggested by the government – such as moving to smaller accommodation or taking in a lodger – are not appropriate for carers.

Carers UK told The Herald that 60,000 carers are currently affected by the bedroom tax.

Heléna Herklots, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said: “This policy is having a catastrophic impact on families, many of whom are already struggling practically, emotionally and financially to care for seriously-ill or disabled loved ones.

“Carers UK has argued that the policy unfairly penalises carers since it was first introduced in April 2013. Our research shows that those carers who are affected by the bedroom tax are being left unable to pay their electricity and heating bills and some families are falling behind on their rent and facing eviction.

“Following today’s ruling, we urge the Government to amend the regulations to protect carers and their families. The policy is clearly having a devastating impact on vulnerable families and the Government cannot allow this to continue.”

Mr Rutherford told the BBC: “I’m a bit lost for words. I could almost cry with happiness.

“It was just so unfair, somebody had to do something to get the law changed, or the situation changed.”

He added: “We’re all saving the government millions of pounds between us and we need looking after and helping, rather than penalising. us.”

We invited a comment from local Conservative AMs Paul Davies and Angela Burns. Our request was not acknowledged and no statement was received from them at the time this article went to press.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Rugby Weekly – Tenby’s promotion push continues

Published

on

It’s crunch time for all rugby clubs around the county, whether promotion is their aim or fighting relegation or even just trying to improve their league position, it’s now or never. 

Last weekend saw an important win for Fishguard in division two west which should put any relegation fears to bed completely. James Griffiths added an impressive 18 points for the Seagulls as they defeated Nantgaredig 33-19. 

Elsewhere in the second division, Milford were beaten 32-8 by a good Lampeter outfit. The Mariners are still a little too close for comfort with the drop zone but should have enough quality to see them safe. 

At the other end of the table Tenby sit in second place and have played fewer games than leaders St Clears and third place Lampeter. They won impressively again last weekend, beating Pontyberem 64-19 at Haywood Lane. Fletcher Broadhurst impressed with two tries as did Hywel Baker who also grabbed himself a brace. Another excellent performance in an outstanding season so far in which promotion would be the absolute icing on the cake. 

In Division Three West, Pembroke were well beaten by Laugharne 74-15 in which the outstanding Liam Price and Nico Setaro both crossed the whitewash 4 teams a piece. The latter also added 7 successful conversions. 

There was a local derby at Pill Parks where Llangwm hosted Pembroke Dock Quins and it was an exciting clash. The visitors won narrowly 28-23, Craig Barnett and Gethin Bradney both scored two tries for the Quins. The Wasps battled hard and will be proud of their performance, Gethin Thomas impressed for the hosts with two tries of his own but it wasn’t enough to secure the points. 

St David’s hosted the high flying Cardigan outfit and were unable to score in reply to the visitors 20 points, with it ending 20-0. The Saints however won’t be losing too much sleep over it as they have had a great season so far. 

Continue Reading

Business

Stephen Crabb leads inquiry on retaining community bank services  

Published

on

PRESELI Pembrokeshire MP, and Chair of the Welsh Affairs Select Committee Stephen Crabb is leading an inquiry in Parliament that will investigate the closure of high street banks in Wales, as well as access to cash.

In November 2023, Pembrokeshire saw the closure of Lloyds Bank in St Davids, and in the coming months both Barclays Bank and Halifax in Haverfordwest are set to close. In recent years, Wales has experienced a rapid decline in the number of high street banking services available to the public. Already in 2024, 23 high street bank closures have been announced in Wales, while automated teller machines (ATMs) declined by nearly a quarter between 2018 and 2023.

The Committee willconsider how declining high street banking services are impacting vulnerable people and small businesses across Wales, who are often more reliant on cash than digital banking. It will also examine how Wales is being affected by the loss of high street bank services, and whether the problem is worse in Wales than other parts of the UK.

Mr Crabb is a staunch advocate for retaining community banking facilities, especially in rural communities like Pembrokeshire where many local branches remain the only source of face-to-face banking provision for miles.

Recently Mr Crabb challenged Barclays Bank senior management on their decision to close the bank branch in Haverfordwest– a move that will see Barclays not only pull out of the county town, but means they won’t have a branch left anywhere in Pembrokeshire. He has also engaged with LINK – the UK’s largest cash machine network – and continues to campaign on the basis that a Banking Hub is established and that ATM machines should be retained or installed, especially in areas worst affected by the closures.  

Following the launch of the inquiry, MP Crabb added: “It is really sad to see so many banks across Wales closing as online banking grows in popularity. Despite the advantages of online banking, for a rural community with an ageing population like Pembrokeshire, bank branches hold huge importance as they offer face-to-face customer service.”

“I am acutely aware of the inconvenience that the bank closures locally have already caused following hundreds of replies from constituents to my ‘online banking survey’ ”

“I am looking forward to gathering further evidence on this subject through the committee’s inquiry, and will continue to put pressure on the relevant stakeholders to ensure that adequate alternative provisions are made through the establishment of banking hubs as well as the instalment of ATM machines where necessary.”

“In this inquiry, we are particularly keen to hear from those likely to be directly affected by the shift away from cash and physical banks. I encourage anyone with first-hand experience of losing banking services to give evidence to the Committee”

Continue Reading

Business

Trains resume between Carmarthen and Pembroke Dock as works end

Published

on

TRAIN services resumed this morning (Thursday 28 March) after ten days of essential round-the-clock work to upgrade track and drainage between Carmarthen and Pembroke Dock.

The railway was closed from Monday 18 March to Wednesday 27 March to allow Network Rail teams to replace more than 200 metres of track and 300 tonnes of ballast (track stones) between Pembroke station and Pembroke Dock.

Work to improve the drainage between Narbeth and Kilgetty stations was also completed at the same time.

Nick Millington, Network Rail Wales and Borders route director, said: “This essential work in Pembrokeshire demonstrates our commitment to improving the reliability of the service we provide to passengers along our route.

“We know that replacing the track can be disruptive and very noisy, so I would like to thank the residents of Pembroke for their patience while our team carried out this crucial work.”

Colin Lea, Planning and Performance Director at Transport for Wales said: “We’re pleased that our colleagues in Network Rail have completed this essential work and that Transport for Wales rail services resumed today.

“We’d like to thank passengers for their patience while this work has progressed and look forward to welcoming passengers back in time for the Easter weekend.”

Continue Reading

Business9 hours ago

Stephen Crabb leads inquiry on retaining community bank services  

PRESELI Pembrokeshire MP, and Chair of the Welsh Affairs Select Committee Stephen Crabb is leading an inquiry in Parliament that...

News21 hours ago

Police ask motorists to avoid A44 trunk road due to heavy snowfall

DYFED-POWYS POLICE have issued an appeal to motorists to avoid a 25 mile section of the A44 trunk road between...

Crime1 day ago

Woman will quit the booze after seeing shocking drunken video in court

A HAVERFORDWEST woman this week vowed to undertake ‘a complete alcohol abstinence’ after being shown court video footage of her...

News3 days ago

Family heartbroken by loss of ‘larger than life character’ in M4 crash

THE FAMILY of the man who died in a collision on the M4 motorway say ‘he will be greatly missed...

Business3 days ago

Victory for WASPI women but the fight goes on

A LANDMARK ruling by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman could benefit around 5,000 women in Ceredigion born in the...

Entertainment5 days ago

A night to remember: Symphonica Tywi’s ‘Film Fantastics’ was a triumph

ON SATURDAY (Mar 23), Haverfordwest High School was ablaze with the soaring melodies and dramatic scores of some of cinema’s...

News5 days ago

Memorial for all those affected by Covid-19 unveiled at County Hall

A LASTING tribute for Pembrokeshire loved ones lost during the Covid-19 pandemic and those working on the frontline has been...

Top News6 days ago

Princess of Wales announces cancer diagnosis and treatment

CATHERINE, the Princess of Wales, has shared her recent health struggles with the public, revealing a diagnosis that has sent...

Charity7 days ago

RNLI lifeguards back on patrol in Pembrokeshire for the Easter Holidays

RNLI lifeguards will be on patrol once again in Pembrokeshire ahead of the Easter holidays. This Saturday, 23 March 2024,...

Community7 days ago

Neglected Pembrokeshire poodles find their forever homes 

THIRTY poodle type dogs were in total rescued after they were found in an unsuitable environment where their owner also...

Popular This Week