Jayson and Jacqueline Carmichael described the Court of Appeal’s decision to reject their case against the benefit reforms as ‘flabbergasting’
The husband and full-time carer of a woman with spina bifida yesterday branded themselves “political prisoners” of Iain Duncan Smith’s welfare reform.
They also described the High Court’s rejection of their appeal as “flabbergasting”.
Jacqueline Carmichael, 42, uses a wheelchair, is unable to walk and needs an electronic mattress which helps alleviate bed sore pressure.
Her flat is so small that two beds cannot be squeezed together to allow her and her husband to sleep in the same room.
They have to pay an extra £56 a month even though her debilitating condition means the couple cannot physically share a bedroom.
They were one of the test cases which failed in the High Court appeal.
Husband Jayson, 52, told the Mirror: “We are truly gobsmacked. The High Court is trying to make an example us.
“They are blatantly refusing to recognise our human rights. It’s disgraceful.
“We are political prisoners of Iain Duncan Smith’s welfare reform programme.”
The Carmichaels, of Southport, Merseyside, who have lived in their flat for 11 years, plan to launch an online petition against the hated Bedroom Tax.
Since the controversial cuts were implemented last April, discretionary housing payments have covered the shortfall, but with that likely to end next month, the Carmichaels fear the worst.
Jayson, who is a 24-hour carer for his wife, added: “We really are worried that we’ll be evicted because of rent arrears and be forced to fend for ourselves on the streets.
“I can’t get a job as I look after my wife, and a carer’s allowance is only £59. It’s pitiful.
“We are going through hell.
“David Cameron promised that disabled people who provided in-patient care would be exempted, but that’s not true. It’s all lies.
“I used to have the odd relaxation break, essential for full-time carers, but that has had to stop now. Our second bedroom is not spare. This decision make no sense.”
Jayson, a former hotel porter, has raised their dilemma with his Lib Dem MP John Pugh, who has campaigned without success for the couple to be exempted from the tax.
They also described the High Court’s rejection of their appeal as “flabbergasting”.
Jacqueline Carmichael, 42, uses a wheelchair, is unable to walk and needs an electronic mattress which helps alleviate bed sore pressure.
Her flat is so small that two beds cannot be squeezed together to allow her and her husband to sleep in the same room.
They have to pay an extra £56 a month even though her debilitating condition means the couple cannot physically share a bedroom.
They were one of the test cases which failed in the High Court appeal.
Husband Jayson, 52, told the Mirror: “We are truly gobsmacked. The High Court is trying to make an example us.
“They are blatantly refusing to recognise our human rights. It’s disgraceful.
“We are political prisoners of Iain Duncan Smith’s welfare reform programme.”
The Carmichaels, of Southport, Merseyside, who have lived in their flat for 11 years, plan to launch an online petition against the hated Bedroom Tax.
Since the controversial cuts were implemented last April, discretionary housing payments have covered the shortfall, but with that likely to end next month, the Carmichaels fear the worst.
Jayson, who is a 24-hour carer for his wife, added: “We really are worried that we’ll be evicted because of rent arrears and be forced to fend for ourselves on the streets.
“I can’t get a job as I look after my wife, and a carer’s allowance is only £59. It’s pitiful.
“We are going through hell.
“David Cameron promised that disabled people who provided in-patient care would be exempted, but that’s not true. It’s all lies.
“I used to have the odd relaxation break, essential for full-time carers, but that has had to stop now. Our second bedroom is not spare. This decision make no sense.”
Jayson, a former hotel porter, has raised their dilemma with his Lib Dem MP John Pugh, who has campaigned without success for the couple to be exempted from the tax.
