In a lawsuit in which Miyazaki City's beneficiaries and others complained that it violated the constitution, which guaranteed a minimum standard of living, over the gradual reduction of public assistance expenses from 2013, the Miyazaki District Court ruled that the national government I decided that the response was illegal and canceled the reduction of the protection fee.
From 2013 to 2015, the government lowered the standard amount for living expenses such as food and utility costs by up to 10% from 2013 to 2015, reflecting the decline in prices.
Regarding this, three recipients in Miyazaki City filed a lawsuit, claiming that it violated the constitution that guaranteed the minimum standard of living, and demanded that the reduction be canceled.
In the judgment on the 10th, presiding judge Seiji Kojima of the Miyazaki District Court said, ``The decline in the consumer price index, which was the basis for the revision, is an appropriate way to reduce the actual consumption of households receiving public assistance, which have a high proportion of expenses such as food and utilities. The Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare's judgment that the revised public assistance costs are sufficient to maintain a healthy and cultural standard of living goes beyond the scope of discretion and abuses it. So, it violates the Public Assistance Act and is illegal."
According to the plaintiff's lawyers, similar class action lawsuits have been filed in 29 district courts nationwide, and of the 14 cases that have been judged, including this time, the plaintiff's lawsuit was accepted in the fifth case.
Plaintiff's Attorney 'Good Judgment'
After the ruling, the plaintiff's lawyers held a press conference in Miyazaki City, saying, "We sincerely accept the harsh living conditions of the plaintiffs and guarantee the right to lead a healthy and cultural minimum life as stipulated in Article 25 of the Constitution. , It is a favorable judgment."
He added, ``Having won in a court in a local city gave courage to people who were fighting similar trials all over the country. I will ask you to confirm without doing anything."
On the other hand, regarding the fact that the government's response did not mention whether it violated the Constitution, he said, "Since it is sufficient to acknowledge that it violates the Public Assistance Act, the court did not enter into the constitutional issue. I have no complaints." and showed understanding.
Miyazaki City ``decide whether to appeal or consult with the country''
Regarding this ruling, Miyazaki City, which decided to lower the public assistance based on the judgment of the government, commented, ``We will decide whether to appeal after examining the details of the ruling and consulting with the government.''