Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Carer’s Allowance

30 March 2022 · 9 other contributors · 13,037 words

Opened by Karl Turner Ind Kingston upon Hull East

Responding minister: Chloe Smith

Social CareBenefits & WelfareNHS

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Karl Turner raised concerns about carer’s allowance in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Unpaid carers in the UK provide support to over 11.5 million individuals, with an estimated economic value of over 380 billion during the pandemic.
  • Carer's Allowance is set at 67.60 per week, equivalent to 1.93 per hour before a planned increase to 69.70 in April 2022.
  • The Government committed to increasing real-terms expenditure on Carer's Allowance to 3.1 billion in 2021-22, with a forecast increase to 2026-27.

Key requests to Government

I ask the Government to match up the rates for the national minimum wage and the carer's allowance earnings threshold. The current discrepancy leaves families in an impossible dilemma and punishes those who have done nothing but good for their family and society. The Government should consider ensuring that unpaid carers have access to lateral flow tests and provide an uplift in the carer's allowance for all unpaid carers everywhere. Carers should also be able to transition into work or education without financial barriers, and there should be no ban on carers receiving full-time education.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Karl Turner Ind Kingston upon Hull East

Unpaid carers are the backbone of the social care system in the UK, with an estimated 11.5 million individuals providing crucial support to those living with disabilities or illnesses. However, their efforts are poorly recognized by a meagre allowance of £67.60 per week. The charity Carers UK estimates that the economic value of unpaid care provided over the two years of the pandemic is more than £380 billion, which is more than the entire NHS budget over the same period. Unpaid carers have been left in poverty by the Government, with Carer's allowance equating to £1.93 per hour before a 3.1% uplift which will only increase it to £1.99 per hour. During the pandemic, 81% of carers had to provide more care, and 80% cared for someone whose condition worsened. Carers have also faced isolation during lockdowns, and many are now relying heavily on friends and family due to ongoing health concerns.

Other contributors (9)
  • Barbara Keeley Lab Worsley and Eccles South

    She highlighted the low Carer's Allowance of £67.60 per week, which is insufficient for carers dealing with high costs such as medical equipment and energy bills. She cited a survey by Carers UK indicating that two-thirds of carers are unable to meet monthly costs. Barbara also discussed Katy Styles' experiences, emphasizing the need for better identification and support for carers. Barbara Keeley noted that Salford City Council is paying the national living wage, which she believes contributes to better quality of care. She highlighted the importance of both quantity and quality in social services provision. Barbara Keeley expressed astonishment at the Government's response, describing a £2 increase in carer's allowance as an insult given the rising cost of living and other financial pressures faced by carers.

  • Beth Winter Lab Rhondda

    Criticised the lack of improvement in care support since the last election, highlighting that carer's allowance at its current rate is unacceptable and urged for a review of the earnings threshold. Pledged to continue pushing for better recognition and support for carers, citing positive steps taken by the Welsh Government.

  • David Linden SNP Glasgow East

    I am concerned that the pressure on carers will lead to poor health outcomes and higher costs for the state in the long run, making it a false economy not to support them now. Carers are often women who face significant pressures and financial difficulties, exacerbated by the pandemic. Many carers live in poverty and rely on food banks due to rising costs. David Linden highlighted that 72% of carers have not had any breaks from caring and 74% are exhausted and worn out. David Linden asked the Minister about the timeline for introducing five-day paid care leave through an employment Bill, demanding a guarantee that such legislation will be included in the Gracious Speech expected in May.

  • John Martin McDonnell Lab Hayes and Harlington

    I have been meeting with unpaid carers who are struggling immensely due to the cost of living crisis. They face higher energy costs, transport expenses for appointments, and nutritional costs. Carer's allowance is insufficient at a 3.1% increase while inflation ranges from 7-10%. Urgent action is needed before families reach their tipping point. John McDonnell requested an intervention from the Minister, though the content of his request was not provided in detail.

  • Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett

    Intervened to suggest that with Carers Week approaching in June, it is a suitable time to seriously consider raising Carer's Allowance and ensuring carers are treated decently.

  • Mick Whitley Lab Ceredigion

    Millions of unpaid carers across the country make significant sacrifices, often leaving work to care for loved ones. During the pandemic, these individuals stepped up despite inadequate support from the Government, saving billions in caring costs daily according to Carers UK estimates. However, rising energy and food prices are causing financial strain with many relying on credit or loans just to cover basic needs.

  • Rebecca Long-Bailey Lab Salford

    She highlighted that there are approximately 24,188 carers over the age of 16 in Salford and nationally around 11.5 million unpaid carers who save the Government £193 billion a year. She expressed concern about the inadequate support for carers, with only 900,000 full-time carers receiving Carer's Allowance at £67.25 per week, far below inflation rates of up to 7.5%. Many carers are struggling financially and facing challenges such as reducing heating usage and relying on food banks.

  • Vicky Foxcroft Lab Lewisham North

    Vicky Foxcroft praised the work of carers and highlighted that carer's allowance is insufficient at £67.60 per week, noting that 13.6 million people were affected during the pandemic. She cited a case in her constituency where a single mother who cares for her disabled son was sanctioned for missing an appointment due to caring responsibilities.

  • Yasmin Qureshi Lab Bolton South and Walkden

    Yasmin Qureshi shared her personal experience as a carer for over ten years, highlighting the difficulties of balancing work and caring responsibilities. She mentioned that she is fortunate to have flexibility in her job but acknowledged the challenges faced by those without such advantages. She emphasised the need for more comprehensive support for unpaid carers, including addressing issues like limited social services hours and insufficient funding for care.

Government Response

Chloe Smith

The Government recognise and value the contributions of unpaid carers, spending record amounts on carer's allowance. Real-terms expenditure is forecast to be £3.1 billion in 2021-22 and increase by two fifths by 2026-27. The weekly rate will rise to £69.70 in April, an increase from £53.90 since 2010. The minister addressed concerns about carer sanctions and the earnings limit, noting that nearly 1 million people receive carer's allowance and that the Government are focusing extra support on those on low incomes through universal credit. She highlighted measures for heating costs including the warm home discount and winter fuel payment, and discussed changes to disability benefits such as personal independence payment. The minister also addressed devolved powers in Scotland and Wales regarding carers' allowances and noted ongoing efforts to reform social care and help carers stay in work.

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