The Supreme Court appeals panel yesterday upheld the claims of two families who said that the bedroom tax, which restricts housing subsidies, was unfair to disabled people. Claims brought by five other families were dismissed.

A spokesperson for the Equality and Human Rights Commission said:

“While we are disappointed with the outcome, we are pleased that the judgment recognised that children with a disability who need overnight care and adults with disabilities who cannot share a room should not have their subsidy removed. This is an important clarification and will make a significant difference for disabled people and their right to independent living.”