Benefits cap: Government survives Labour amendment in Lords vote

Published by Ross Macmillan for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Central Government, Communities, Local Government

An amendment to exempt vulnerable people at risk of homelessness from a £26,000 a year benefit cap has been defeated in the House of Lords.

Peers voted by 250 to 222 against the plans this afternoon.

The £500-a week cap, which will affect approx 67,000 households, has received a backlash from bishops who fear the plans could make as many as 80,000 children homeless.

The Government insists, however, that the cap will not result in child poverty and has urged bishops to consider families trapped in the benefits system, placed into houses they can't afford.

Labour's amendment would have exempted vulnerable individuals and adults with children if they were considered at risk of becoming homeless.

Peers are due to vote on the bishops' amendment - to exempt child benefit from the cap - this afternoon.