dwp case judge begins case with oh dear oh dear

It is very unusual for a judge to start the introduction [pdf, p2] to his judgment with the words, “Oh dear. Oh dear. Oh dear.” But this is exactly what Nicholas Wikeley did in his ruling on a case involving the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). And while the case itself is unresolved, it illustrates exactly how difficult the process is for anyone appealing a DWP decision to a tribunal.

“Warning bells”

Wikeley, a judge at the upper tribunal, was reviewing an appeal from the First-Tier Tribunal (FTT) – the first stage in a benefit appeal. It involved a case that was ongoing since 2014. And it is a case that had come to his attention in the past.

https://www.thecanary.co/uk/2017/09/28/know-bad-news-dwp-judge-begins-ruling-oh-dear-oh-dear-oh-dear/

Here is the case:-

http://www.bailii.org/uk/cases/UKUT/AAC/2017/366.pdf