Single Mothers Lose Benefits Cap Legal Battle

Senior judges have rejected an attempt to challenge the lawfulness of the benefits cap , a central plank of government's welfare policy. Lawyers acting for three families affected by the cap had argued that it unlawfully discriminates against children and women, particularly those affected by domestic violence.  The claimants' lawyers described the cap as a "cruel and arbitrary" policy that would trap vulnerable women in violent relationships, and would reduce capped household income to a level that would make it impossible for parents to provide adequate food, clothing and other essentials for their children. But two high court judges dismissed the claim for a judicial review, ruling that although the cap may be seen by some to be "too parsimonious" it was consistent with a "broad political concept of fairness" outlined by the secretary of state for work and pensions. Read more on the Guardian website.