Benefit cap is discriminatory when applied to lone parents with young children
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The High Court in London has ruled that the application of the benefit cap to lone parents with children under two is unlawful because of its discriminatory impact upon children.
The challenge was brought by four lone parent families for whom the reduced benefit cap has, or will have, severe effects.
Their legal team was solicitor Rebekah Carrier at Hopkin Murray Beskine and barristers Ian Wise QC, Monckton Chambers; Caoilfhionn Gallagher QC, Doughty Street Chambers; and Michael Armitage, Monkton Chambers.
The challenge was also supported by homelessness charity Shelter, which intervened in the case.
In his judgment, Mr Justice Andrew Collins said the benefit cap “is capable of real damage to such as the claimants”.
Ms Carrier said: “We are pleased that today’s decision will relieve my clients – and other lone parent families around the country – from the unfair impacts of austerity measures which have prevented them from being able to provide basic necessities for their children.”
The UK government intends to appeal the judgment.
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