More pressure is being added to end the prosecution of carers who inadvertently breach the earnings limit for their benefit.
The National Union of Carers (NUC) has called for an immediate halt to the prosecutions.
Terry Bayliffe, one of the directors of the NUC, called Carer’s Allowance “pitiful”.
Terry Bayliffe wants prosecutions for going over the Carer’s Allowance earnings limit brought to an end
£81.90 for 35 hours or more of caring
The benefit paid to those who spend at least 35 hours every week caring for a loved one is £81.90 per week.
Bayliffe wants family carers to get the minimum wage. This would see them earn £400.40 per week before tax for a 35-hour week.
He insisted it is a “disgrace” for the UK Government to claim back Carer’s Allowance overpayments.
The campaigner argued that “there is a much bigger picture here about the abomination of carers’ rights, pay and support”.
Baylife, 76, from Torquay, says he gets no support while caring for 82-year-old wife Cherie after she suffered a stroke.
The campaigner, who set up the NUC with son Daniel, 35, is himself battling multiple sclerosis, prostate cancer and type two diabetes.
Heavy criticism
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has come in for heavy criticism for prosecuting carers who have exceeded the earnings limit of £151 per week on top of their Carer’s Allowance.
Vivienne Groom, from Tarvin, near Chester, was among those the DWP prosecuted.
The DWP took her £16,000 inheritance from her 91-year-old mother Maud after she admitted failing to declare part-time earnings.
Groom insisted a social worker told her she did not have to declare the work. She said it was an honest mistake.
Carers save Government £162 billion a year
Charities such as Carers UK have highlighted how carers save the UK Government up to £162 billion every year. This is almost the equivalent of the NHS’s annual budget of £181.7 billion.
Carers UK has called for the earnings limit to be lifted to the equivalent of 21 hours per week at the minimum wage. This would amount to £240.24.
A UK Government spokesperson said it is “determined to provide unpaid carers with the support they deserve”.
The Government is working on “the long-term reform of the social care system to improve support for all”, added the spokesperson.
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Published: 6 October 2024
