Families win court appeal over ‘unfair’ cash penalties

TWO families have defeated the Government over the Bedroom Tax in the country’s highest court.

In a victory against the Tory policy, seven justices of the Supreme Court found in favour of Paul and Sue Rutherford, who care for their disabled grandson Warren.

They also backed Jayson and Jacqueline Carmichael, who are unable to share a bedroom due to Jacqueline’s spina bifida. The tax means social housing tenants have payments cut by 14% for a spare bedroom and by 25% for two or more rooms.

Backed by the Daily Mirror, Sue and Paul have been fighting for three years against the levy, which is charged on a room used to store Warren’s equipment and by his overnight carers. The 17-year-old has Potocki-Shaffer syndrome – which affects the development of his bones, brain and other organs.

Paul, of Pembroke, West Wales, said: “We are absolutely delighted. This is the best day we’ve had for three-and-a-half years. It’s time for the Government to end this hated policy. We should never have been put in this position. We just want to care for Warren.”

Jacqueline and Jayson of Southport, Merseyside, said their life had been “sheer, absolute hell” since the Bedroom Tax was introduced. Jacqueline, 44, said: “We have been so stressed.”

Five other cases, including one involving a safe room for a domestic violence victim, failed, and are expected to go to appeal.