Caselaw summaries

Housing benefit (HB) – definition of ‘close relative’

Housing benefit (HB) - this decision of the Supreme Court (comprising several decisions in individual cases) concerns the lawfulness of the so-called 'bedroom tax' rules in housing benefit (at regulation 813 of the Housing Benefit Regulations 2006, SI No.213).

Child benefit (CB) - competing claims – correct approach

Tax credits (TC) - appeals – ‘Statement Like an Award Notice’

Personal independence payment (PIP) - reduction of award before end date following ‘planned review’ – need to identify supersession ground and explain difference from original award

Personal independence payment (PIP) - activity 2 (taking nutrition) – activity does not cover dietary choices or eating well or nutritiously – concerned only with the act of eating or drinking

Employment and support allowance (ESA) - mobilising – powered wheelchair – falls outside range of aids that may be taken into account

Personal independence payment (PIP) - activity 5 (managing toilet needs or incontinence - incontinence pads

Jobseeker's allowance (JSA) - right to reside - trafficked European national - possible worker status - JSA right to reside decision not determinative for housing benefit

Personal independence payment (PIP) - tribunal that has already awarded sufficient points to score the highest possible award need not examine whether additional points should be scored – time of the tribunal is precious and such a judicious shortcut is appropriate case management