Context
The MP highlights the critical role of carers in society, noting that many care for more than one person and often sacrifice full-time work to do so.
Question
What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the carer's allowance for people who care for more than one person. The hundreds of thousands of carers up and down the country are the unsung heroes of our society, who do a fantastic job. Whether it is caring for elderly parents with dementia or sacrificing full-time work to care for a disabled child, carers play a critical role, easing the burden on health services. For most carers, care is a 24/7 job, and they cannot take full-time work because of it.
Answer from Mims Davies
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his point, which I appreciate as I have been in that situation of caring for two people. The primary purpose of the carer's allowance is to provide a measure of financial support and recognition for people unable to work full time because of their caring responsibilities. I know there are very strong views on this. I am looking forward to meeting with Carers UK just after recess—I am afraid I cannot do so before, due to a funeral—and hearing the varying views and how we can continue to support our carers, who in every constituency and community do an amazing job.
Not addressed: The specific question about when the government will acknowledge that current allowance levels are inadequate for carers looking after multiple people was not directly answered with a timeline or commitment to action.
How: Due To A Funeral
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