A court in Edinburgh heard how the Scottish Government's decision was a ‘direct consequence’ of the Westminster move.
A legal challenge to the decision to scrap universal Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners has heard that the Scottish Government ’s decision was a “direct consequence” of UK Government counterparts. The Court of Session in Edinburgh was told on Wednesday that the union Unite has launched similar action in England, and it has been provided with documents which it is not permitted to share with lawyers in Scotland.
Ms Cherry said: “The second respondent’s decision to proceed with plans for a non-means-tested benefit in Scotland was a direct consequence of the first respondent’s decision to withdraw the Winter Fuel Payment.” “English lawyers have asked for the Government’s legal department to provide that disclosure. The Government legal department has said no to that.”
“We accept that the court will have to look with great care to consider how policy decisions were taken. Lady Hood said: “I’ve been asked to allow a further 28 days. I’m not persuaded to do so at this stage.A further hearing is scheduled for January 24 in the Court of Session, Edinburgh.
State Pension Benefits Courts Scottish Government UK Government Edinburgh Coatbridge Personal Finance
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