R (AB) – v – The Secretary of State for the Home Department [2013] EWHC 3453 (Admin) 7th November 2013

This was a deportation case but it contains an extremely important decision on the question of the applicability of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union in the UK Courts. The British and Polish Governments secured, at the negotiations on the Lisbon Treaty, an opt out from the incorporation of the Charter into their domestic law.

Zoumbas – v – Secretary of State for the Home Department [2013] UKSC 74, Supreme Court 27th November 2013

This case involved an appeal against a refusal of asylum.  Though Mr Zoumbas was unsuccessful in his appeal, the case provides an important reminder that the best interests of the child are a primary consideration in any such decision. To read the Judgment, click here: Zoumbas -v- SSHD Judgment

R(J) -v- Worcestershire CC & ECHR [2013] EWHC 3845 (Admin)

The first paragraph of this judgment of Holman J is memorable:

Everyone loves a funfair. They are part of the tapestry of our national life.

R (Knowles) – v – The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions [2013] EWHC 19 (Admin), 17th January 2013.

The two Claimants were Romani Gypsies who moved from a local authority site due to anti-social behaviour by other residents.  They moved on to a private caravan site.  Where a landlord is a private landlord, the rent allowance for housing benefit purposes is always referred to a Rent Officer for determination.  In this case the Local Reference Rent sent by the Rent Officer was much less than the contractual rent that the Claimants had to pay.