Carers Trust responds to Government climb down on disability benefits

Responding to news of the Government's climb down on cuts to disability benefits, Carers Trust's Chief Executive, Kirsty McHugh, said:

"Carers Trust is pleased the Government stepped back from immediate and brutal welfare cuts.

"However, we’re still concerned about how measures in the bill might apply to future claimants, risking pushing many carers into poverty.

"While we appreciate the Government needs to balance the books, it must not do so on the backs of this country’s most vulnerable people.  

"The Government’s concessions risk creating a two-tier social security system – one for existing claimants and one for new ones.

"This is a recipe for resentment as claimants have no control on when they become eligible for health-related benefits."

"Previous research has shown 4.3 million people become carers every year – so this is something that could happen to anyone, at any time.

"We welcome the Government’s commitment to working with disability groups to design the new changes and urge that carers’ needs are considered as a first order priority and not an afterthought."