THE Government recently announced it will change the law to exempt all carers in receipt of Carer’s Allowance from the benefit cap.

The announcement was made in a House of Lords debate on the Welfare Reform & Work Bill.

It came in response to an amendment tabled by Baroness Pitkeathley following a landmark ruling from the High Court on carers affected by the benefit cap.

Justice Collins ruled that the Government was unlawfully discriminating against disabled people and their carers.

Heléna Herklots, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said: “This is a significant victory for carers and carers’ rights.

“By changing the law to exempt carers who receive Carer’s Allowance from the benefit cap, the Government has shown that it recognises both the valuable contribution that carers make to society and that the benefit cap unfairly penalises carers – many of whom are already facing significant financial hardship as a result of their caring role.

“The Government’s response will be welcomed by those carers who are currently affected by the cap, as well as those who were at risk of being affected when the cap is lowered later this year.”