The decision to cut the winter fuel payment will be “tainted” if the UK Government is found not to have properly assessed its impact on vulnerable people, a court has heard.

A couple have started their legal challenge against UK and Scottish government decisions to cut winter fuel payments. Peter and Flo Fanning, from Coatbridge in North Lanarkshire, allege both governments failed to adequately consult with those of pension age and did not release an equality impact assessment on the changes.

The UK government was "blinded" by financial imperatives when it cut the winter fuel payment without due consideration of the impact on vulnerable people, a court has heard.

Attorney General Andrew Webster said there is ‘no general common law duty to consult residents who may be affected by such a law’.

Pensioners Florence and Peter Fanning, from North Lanarkshire, are challenging last year’s change to the winter fuel payment.

A major legal hearing on the future of the Winter Fuel Payment is taking place this week, as two pensioners challenge a £300 cut to the crucialwelfare payment. The two-day hearing, which began on Thursday,

A major legal battle has erupted over cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment, with a case now unfolding in Scotland’s highest court. The challenge, brought forward by two pensioners, has sparked fresh scrutiny over the Government’s decision,

POLITICIANS who means tested winter fuel payments were responsible for “an abject failure” to follow the law on how to make policy decisions affecting vulnerable pensioners, a court has heard.

The decision to cut the Department for Work and Pensions' Winter Fuel Payment will be “tainted” if the UK Government is found not to have properly assessed its impact on vulnerable people, a court has heard.