Member

The Government could also show support for hard-working people by backing Lords amendments 5 and 11, which would set the cap at £5,000, rather than £2,000. We support this proposal as we remain concerned that the £2,000 cap is too low and will quickly become valueless through inflation. Indeed, from following the debate in the Lords, it seems that the Government could not provide any rationale for the cap being set at £2,000 in the first place. This House deserves clarity. The Minister should, at the very least, clarify why the Government set the cap at £2,000, and not at a higher level.