Thousands of lone parents to get reprieve from cuts

Thousands of lone parents are set to get a reprieve from cuts to their support payments after a decision by Tánaiste Joan Burton to exempt carers from the budget-saving measures.

Her spokesman last night confirmed 800 parents will be allowed keep the half-rate carer’s allowance until their youngest child reaches 16.

The parents will also be allowed to keep their lone- parent allowance. An extra 400 parents who are carers but had changes made before to payments will also get the reprieve, it was confirmed.