After winter fuel payments change, Government must think again on other devastating benefit cuts

Responding to statements on benefit reform by the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Carers Trust’s CEO, Kirsty McHugh, said:

“We welcome the Government’s change of heart over winter fuel payments. Now it must also think again on the rest of its devastating benefit cuts. The Government’s own calculations have shown carers will lose more than £1bn in benefits over the course of this Parliament.

"Changes to the Personal Independent Payment alone mean around 150,000 will lose access to vital financial support.

“Despite this, the Government is callously pursuing cuts that will push carers, who are already struggling to make ends meet, even further into poverty. The added financial pressure could mean many have to give up caring to make enough money to survive and avoid burnout.

"That will place even more demand on our creaking health and social care system. If the Government is serious about improving people’s life opportunities, it must put measures in place to support carers before it’s too late.”