Universal Credit Must Be Extended to Carers, Say Lib Dems

The Liberal Democrats are calling for the increase in Universal Credit to be retained and extended to anyone caring for a friend, family member or neighbour who canot cope without their support.

Last night in Parliament Conservative MPs abstained on a motion to cancel the cut in Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit in April. Liberal Democrats voted against cutting support, and called for the uplift to be extended to carers and all tghose claiming legacy benefits.

Commenting after the vote, Liberal Democrat Work and Pensions Spokesperson Wendy Chamberlain MP said: "The Government's decision to abstain on the Universal Credit vote will result in a huge amount of uncertainty and anxiety for people who desperately need this support.'

"The Tories should act now to extend the uplift - and expand it to legacy benefits and Carer's Allowance."

The Liberal Democrats are standing up for carers and are campaigning for a fairer deal . You can back our campaign to raise Carer's Allowance at www.change.libdems.org.uk/carers