A charity has called for “clear and decisive action” from the new UK Government to improve carers’ lives.
Carers UK issued the call amid mounting concerns about the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) using bailiffs to recover Carer’s Allowance overpayments.
Carers UK chief executive Helen Walker is urging the new Labour government to reform Carer’s Allowance
‘Moving quickly to understand’
Disability minister Sir Stephen Timms insists the new Labour government is now “moving quickly to understand exactly what has gone wrong, so we can set out a plan to put things right”.
Carer’s Allowance rules say those claiming the benefit, worth £81.90 per week, must care for their loved one for at least 35 hours a week. Also, they are allowed to earn no more than £151 per week.
Charities and campaign groups have highlighted what they see as cruel DWP prosecutions of carers who have unintentionally gone fractionally over the earnings limit.
Thousands breached earnings limit
Carers UK has met with Timms to push for reforming Carer’s Allowance.
Helen Walker is chief executive of the charity.
She wants the rules eased to 21 hours per week at the national living wage (£240.24).
Up to 34,000 people breached the earnings limit last year, according to the charity.
‘Cliff edge’
Walker also wants the Carer’s Allowance ‘cliff edge’ removed. This is where those who go a penny over the £151 per week earnings limit lose the benefit in full.
She said: “Carers have waited long enough for change. Now we need to see clear and decisive action to improve carers’ lives.”
Speaking after his meeting with Carers UK, Timms said the country would “grind to a halt” without the contribution made by millions of people who care for others.
He added that he is “determined to provide unpaid carers with the support they deserve”.
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Published: 11 August 2024
