Carer’s Allowance

Carers UK estimates that over a quarter of carers live in poverty, rising to nearly half for those who care for more than 35 hours weekly. The earnings threshold for carer's allowance has dropped below the national living wage, limiting carers' ability to earn income and potentially resulting in substantial financial losses. Barbara Keeley highlights issues such as overpayments of carer's allowance leading to debt, criminal records, and even suicide attempts by carers who were wrongly penalised. She also mentions that one in three unpaid carers has thought about killing themselves due to the emotional and financial strain they are under. Called for a national carers strategy, citing its previous existence under Labour and its absence since 2010. Asked the Minister to address this gap in Government support for carers.

Speaks in support of Carers UK's policy demands, highlighting the vulnerability of unpaid carers to poverty and financial difficulties. Points out that only 71% of carer's allowance claimants received a payment in 2023 due to overlapping benefits rules. Proposes increasing the earnings limit for carer's allowance and reforming eligibility rules, including ending the cliff edge and introducing a tapered rate. Emphasises the need for a full review of the link between caring and poverty across the UK.

She congratulates her Petitions Committee colleague on presenting the petition about carer's allowance not meeting costs. She mentions that constituents are facing difficulties due to the cost of living crisis, with food prices rising, making it more challenging now than in previous years.

Congratulated the hon. Friend on bringing the debate, highlighting carers' significant contributions to society despite facing inadequate support from the government. Criticised the report 'Valued' by Oxfam for its contradictions and lack of recognition towards carers. Emphasized that carer's allowance is insufficient at £81.90 a week, which is less than jobseeker's allowance and even lower in real terms since 1911. Raised concerns about the Department for Work and Pensions' treatment of carers, including the use of unfair cliff edge and earnings limits, as well as criminalisation due to overpayment issues. Discussed a retired GP's concerns regarding statements implying that disabled carers are not genuine in their care roles. Asked the Minister to respond to her query about medical advisers to first-tier tribunals, inquiring specifically about the statements included in their bundles.

Mr. Davey highlighted the inadequacy of carer's allowance, emphasizing the need for social justice and recognition of the critical role carers play in supporting the NHS. He also pointed to economic challenges faced by carers who wish to return to work but are penalised under current conditions. Mr. Davey called for a comprehensive review of the allowance including age-related issues affecting young and elderly carers, and addressed concerns over overpayment recovery and ongoing systemic issues. Asked the Minister if she would mention his colleague's legislation on five days' leave for carers that had cross-party support.

Unpaid carers provide vital support to those they care for, but many face financial hardship due to the cost of living crisis. The petition calls on the Government to increase Carer's Allowance to match pay for a full-time job. Margaret Greenwood highlighted that 44% of working-age adults who are providing care for 35 or more hours a week live in poverty. She called for an end to the cliff-edge situation where carers lose their entire benefit entitlement if they earn £151 a week or more, urging the Minister to ensure all carers in paid employment are aware of this situation.

Paid tribute to carers for their invaluable role in society, noting the economic value of unpaid care at £162 billion annually. Highlighted that carer's allowance is inadequate and exploitative, with rates below the national minimum wage. Advocated for measures like Scotland's removal of the 21-hour study rule and implementation of a young carer grant. Emphasized the need to increase earnings limits to support carers who wish to work.

Stephen Timms highlighted the inadequacies of carer's allowance, noting that it has not been updated since 2008. He mentioned that Terry Kirton, a full-time carer for his father, struggles financially on £81.90 per week and cannot maintain professional registration due to the earnings limit. Timms also raised concerns about overpayments, citing data showing more than 30,000 overpayments of up to £2,000 in 2022-23. Asked the Minister specifically about the Government's response to a Select Committee report five years ago, focusing on issues related to automatic overpayment alerts and actions taken by the Department.

Acknowledged the importance of unpaid carers, highlighting that they provide around-the-clock care and save taxpayers billions. Discussed the eligibility criteria for Carer's Allowance and issues with Personal Independence Payment. Raised concerns about overpayment recovery by the DWP, urging the Government to increase the earnings limit for claimants. Welcomed the re-promotion of the Minister and offered to send her all the materials related to Opposition policies that Labour wishes to implement, suggesting an openness to Conservatives adopting some of their policies.