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

Strategic Director – Place-Based Services

Stevenage Borough Council
£Competitive
Stevenage is a town with bold ambitions. Stevenage, Hertfordshire / Hybrid
Recuriter: Stevenage Borough Council

Social Worker - Children's Assessment and Safeguarding

North East Lincolnshire Council
ASYE level £36,363 up to £46,142
Make the change, be the difference to our children, our future. North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Assist Response Officer

Mansfield District Council
£16,055.87 - £17,113.37 per annum (for 22.5 hours per week)
Mansfield District Council are looking for a dedicated individual to join our award winning ASSIST support scheme. Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

Town Centre Operative

Mansfield District Council
£25,583 - £25,989 per annum
Working in local government is a rewarding experience Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

Resettlement Officer

Ashfield District Council
£28,598 - £31,022 per annum
Would you like to work in our Housing Options Team helping people to settle in the local community? Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council
Linkedin Banner