A carer is hoping to take her fight for extra support to the Court of Appeal.
The single mum, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, has four special needs children aged between nine and 19.
The mother, from Greater Manchester, also has additional health needs.
Lawyer Jessie Brennan is hoping the fight for extra cash for carers will go to the Court of Appeal
The family is now adjusting to the tier three coronavirus restrictions imposed on Greater Manchester.
Payments increased to some groups
The UK government has increased benefit payments to some groups to provide additional help during the pandemic.
In April, people on Universal Credit and tax credits saw their payments increased by £20 a week for a year.
An equivalent rise in Carer’s Allowance would take the benefit up to £87.25 per week.
Other groups neglected
London lawyers Bindmans, which is bringing the challenge, say the Government was wrong to offer extra support to some vulnerable groups while neglecting others.
In a statement, Bindmans called the decision to leave out the carers of many severely disabled people “discriminatory and irrational”.
The case went before the Administrative Court, which is a division of the High Court.
But the Administrative Court dismissed the case. This was after learning the Government would need to pass legislation in Parliament to increase Carer’s Allowance.
Now, Bindmans says the mum-of-four has asked for permission to take her case to the Court of Appeal.
Bindmans lawyer Jessie Brennan said her firm wants the application to be successful so the case can be “properly heard in court”.
A spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions said Carer’s Allowance has increased by £700 a year since 2010.
Also, the spokesperson said the Government made changes to factor in emotional support. This meant anyone who is a carer can still get the benefit if they are self-isolating.
Related:
- Charity claims carers don’t want wage
- Plea to give carers the breaks they need
- Carers’ plight on World Autism Day
- Parent carers in line for a better deal
- Carers sick with money worries
Published: 3 November 2020
