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.