Carer’s allowance legal challenge

From the Disability Benefits Consortium -

Jessie Brennan, Public Law Solicitor at Bindmans, is working on a proposed challenge to the current rates of Carer’s Allowance. Unfortunately the Claimant can no longer take part, but if others or organisations are interested, it would be great if they could contact Jessie about this (email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)).

More information about the challenge:

The proposed judicial review against the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions for failing to increase Carer’s Allowance in light of the COVID-19 Pandemic. We are arguing that the failure to increase Carer’s Allowance results in unlawful discrimination and is irrational. The Government has put in place other financial measures like, increasing other welfare benefits and the Job Retention Scheme, but nothing has been done for carers who are providing invaluable support to the most vulnerable in society. Carer’s are facing an increase in their caring responsibilities and costs, as confirmed in a report by Carer’s UK published on 24 April 2020 which found: 81% of carers surveyed are spending more money at the moment; 70% of carers surveyed said that they had increased the amount of care and the average amount of care being provided is now is now 65 hours per week, compared to 55 hours before. All of this for £67.25 per week.