Laura Sharman 22 January 2016

Charity calls to exempt carers from benefit cap

The Government has been urged to amend legislation to ensure carers are exempt from the benefit cap following a High Court ruling two months ago.

Carers UK have criticised the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for failing to issue new guidance after a judicial review ruled that the benefit cap ‘unlawfully’ discriminates against disabled claimants and their carers.

Heléna Herklots, chief executive of Carers UK, said: ‘The benefit cap places a further strain on the incomes of carers, many of whom are already facing serious financial hardship and struggling to make to ends meet as a result of their caring role. People who are providing full-time care to a loved one are finding it near-on impossible to cover the extra costs of the benefit cap.’

The charity said 1,400 carers are already affected by the benefit cap, and this figure will only increase when the cap is lowered further in April 2016.

Ms Herklots added: ‘Subjecting those who provide unpaid care to the benefit cap is unfair and inconsistent with the Government’s own aim for the policy.The DWP must act now to enforce the High Court’s decision and amend legislation to ensure carers are no longer penalised by this unfair policy.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Part Time Finance Administrator

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum + Pro Rata
Part Time Finance AdministratorPermanent, Part Time£25,081 per annum, full time equivalentLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Customer Services Adviser (Housing Repairs

Mansfield District Council
£28,598 - £33,699 per annum
Mansfield is a town of towns at the centre of things in Nottinghamshire - a place of many strong connections Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

No Wrong Door Deputy Manager

North Yorkshire Council
From £47,181 up to £51,356 per annum pro rata
We’re looking for a passionate, driven, and dynamic professional to join our management team within our innovative No Wrong Door (NWD) service. Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior Resource Centre Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£34,434 - £38,220 per annum pro rata
You will work closely with families and other professionals to ensure that you have sound knowledge of the children you are caring for Morton on Swale, Northallerton
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Social Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£38,220 - £42,839 per annum, pro rata
Our Family Assessment and Support Teams you will work with a range of children and their families, carers and networks. Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner