Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Carers: Support

Monday 11 November 2024 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Samantha Niblett raised concerns about the support available to carers in South Derbyshire.
  • The Minister acknowledged that 60% of unpaid carers are women, who are disproportionately represented in receiving carer's allowance.
  • The Government understands the increasing need for support due to people living longer and the challenges faced by carers.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Samantha Niblett Lab South Derbyshire
Care & Healthcare Workers Women & Equalities
Context

The MP is concerned about the challenges faced by unpaid family carers in her constituency.

Question

I am concerned about the support available to carers, who face significant challenges while caring for loved ones. I have spoken to many people in South Derbyshire taking on these responsibilities and know how difficult it can be. While I appreciate that action has been taken, women are disproportionately affected as 60% of unpaid carers are female and they spend more hours caring.

Answer from Liz Kendall

My hon. Friend is right: 60% of unpaid carers are women, but they spend more hours caring, so they are disproportionately represented when it comes to receiving carer's allowance. This step forward is small but significant and important as the new Government understand that people live longer and care for longer, requiring help to balance work and caring responsibilities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific benefits of the increase in threshold for women were not detailed

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Samantha Niblett Lab South Derbyshire
Women & Equalities Children & Families
Context

The MP highlights the challenges unpaid family carers face and notes that women are disproportionately affected.

Question

I have spoken to many people in my constituency of South Derbyshire who are taking on caring responsibilities for loved ones. I know how hard that is and I am so grateful for the job they do, but it is often a thankless task. I am glad that the Government have taken action to support people in our communities who take on caring responsibilities, but it is disproportionately women who do so.

Answer from Liz Kendall

My hon. Friend is right: 60% of unpaid carers are women, but they spend more hours caring, so they are disproportionately represented when it comes to receiving carer's allowance. This step forward is small but significant and important as the new Government understand that people live longer and care for longer, requiring help to balance work and caring responsibilities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific benefits of the increase in threshold for women were not detailed

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)