Menu
29/08/2008
More Financial Help Needed For British Carers
Around six million people in Britain who are looking after sick and elderly relatives are not receiving adequate financial support, a new report has revealed.
The Work and Pensions Select Committee today published the report entitled 'Valuing and Supporting Carers'. It is based on the findings of an inquiry to examine the effectiveness of the DWP's existing approach to carers, in the light of the Government's ongoing review of the carer's strategy.
The report stated more help for the six million unpaid carers who look after friends and relatives - saving the taxpayer £87 billion - was of "critical importance".
Currently, Carer's Allowance is £50.55 per week, and Ministers have said they are working to give carers more "balance". The report recommends income replacement for those working part-time, or unable to work due to their commitments, as well as compensation for extra costs incurred from providing "intensive" caring roles.
The MPs said the were "disappointed" the Government had not directly addressed financial help for carers in its Carers Strategy, and the group have only been identified as a long-term priority from 2011.
"We believe that the current system of benefits for carers is outdated and we recommend the introduction of two distinctive 'tiers' of support for carers, offering income replacement support for carers unable to work, or working only part-time, and compensation for the additional costs of caring for all carers in intensive caring roles," the committee's report said.
"We believe that the Department for Work and Pensions should support adults who become carers during their working lives to combine work and care and enable those who wish to return to paid work when caring ends of changes to do so."
The committee's chairman, Labour MP Terry Rooney said: "Caring matters deeply to individuals, families and society in general.
"Sustaining the ability of carers to provide the care and support they give to others is of critical importance."
(JM)
The Work and Pensions Select Committee today published the report entitled 'Valuing and Supporting Carers'. It is based on the findings of an inquiry to examine the effectiveness of the DWP's existing approach to carers, in the light of the Government's ongoing review of the carer's strategy.
The report stated more help for the six million unpaid carers who look after friends and relatives - saving the taxpayer £87 billion - was of "critical importance".
Currently, Carer's Allowance is £50.55 per week, and Ministers have said they are working to give carers more "balance". The report recommends income replacement for those working part-time, or unable to work due to their commitments, as well as compensation for extra costs incurred from providing "intensive" caring roles.
The MPs said the were "disappointed" the Government had not directly addressed financial help for carers in its Carers Strategy, and the group have only been identified as a long-term priority from 2011.
"We believe that the current system of benefits for carers is outdated and we recommend the introduction of two distinctive 'tiers' of support for carers, offering income replacement support for carers unable to work, or working only part-time, and compensation for the additional costs of caring for all carers in intensive caring roles," the committee's report said.
"We believe that the Department for Work and Pensions should support adults who become carers during their working lives to combine work and care and enable those who wish to return to paid work when caring ends of changes to do so."
The committee's chairman, Labour MP Terry Rooney said: "Caring matters deeply to individuals, families and society in general.
"Sustaining the ability of carers to provide the care and support they give to others is of critical importance."
(JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 December 2003
Better information provided for carers in UK
Carers are to get better information about vital services thanks to new information leaflets. Produced by Carers UK and funded by the Department of Health and British Gas, the leaflets provide information to all carers on rights, benefits and breaks in a clear format.
Better information provided for carers in UK
Carers are to get better information about vital services thanks to new information leaflets. Produced by Carers UK and funded by the Department of Health and British Gas, the leaflets provide information to all carers on rights, benefits and breaks in a clear format.
02 December 2005
Carers losing out on £746m in benefits
People who give up work to become carers are losing out on £746 million in benefits, according to a report. Charity group Carers UK said that older carers were particularly hard hit.
Carers losing out on £746m in benefits
People who give up work to become carers are losing out on £746 million in benefits, according to a report. Charity group Carers UK said that older carers were particularly hard hit.
17 February 2015
Plans Announced To Make Young People Work For Benefits
The Prime Minister has announced a proposal for 18 to 21-year-olds claiming benefits to do daily work experience. The proposed reform, known as Community Work Programme, would see young people not in work, education or training, required to complete daily work experience, alongside continuing to look for work in order to qualify for benefits.
Plans Announced To Make Young People Work For Benefits
The Prime Minister has announced a proposal for 18 to 21-year-olds claiming benefits to do daily work experience. The proposed reform, known as Community Work Programme, would see young people not in work, education or training, required to complete daily work experience, alongside continuing to look for work in order to qualify for benefits.
14 October 2010
£4 Million Boost For Carers
A raft of new measures that will help support carers were unveiled by Care Services Minister Paul Burstow today. More than £4 million will be reinvested in a range of projects from training schemes for health and social care workers to access better information.
£4 Million Boost For Carers
A raft of new measures that will help support carers were unveiled by Care Services Minister Paul Burstow today. More than £4 million will be reinvested in a range of projects from training schemes for health and social care workers to access better information.
01 September 2004
Survey claims Britain has a million child carers
The numbers of young people in Britain acting as carers is more than four times higher than has been suggested by recent census reports, according to a survey commissioned by The Princess Royal Trust for Carers.
Survey claims Britain has a million child carers
The numbers of young people in Britain acting as carers is more than four times higher than has been suggested by recent census reports, according to a survey commissioned by The Princess Royal Trust for Carers.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Clear start with a fairly widespread frost developing. Increasing cloud brings occasionally heavy rain overnight, preceded, especially over western hills, briefly by snow. Occasional southeasterly gales, severe near coasts, developing. Minimum temperature -2 °C.
