The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Development and Family Services and another (Respondents) v Ruth Peters (Appellant) (Trinidad & Tobago)
Case ID: JCPC 2021/0021
Jurisdiction: Court of Appeal of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Case summary
Issue
Was a policy that an applicant must be permanently disabled to access a welfare grant unlawful?
Facts
The Appellant was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome and medically assessed as having a 90% disability. The medical report stated the duration of disability was “one-year pending clinical report”. The Welfare Office determined the Appellant could not receive a Disability Assistance Grant as she was not permanently disabled.
The Appellant issued a claim for judicial review challenging the policy requirement that an applicant be permanently disabled to receive a Disability Assistance Grant.
The judge at first instance found in favour of the Appellant and the Court of Appeal in favour of the Respondents. The Appellant now appeals to the Board.
Parties
Appellant(s)
Ruth Peters
Respondent(s)
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Development and Family Services and another
Appeal
Justices
Lord Briggs, Lord Sales, Lord Burrows, Lord Hamblen, Lord Stephens
Hearing start date
27 March 2023
Hearing finish date
27 March 2023
| Watch hearing | |
|---|---|
| 27 March 2023 | Morning session |
Judgment details
Judgment date
27 June 2023
Neutral citation
[2023] UKSC 23