Today (Wednesday March 4th) Emily Holzhausen CBE, Director of Policy and Public Affairs, at Carers UK gave evidence to the Work and Pensions Committee on the topic ‘Carers’ benefits beyond the Sayce Review’. Carers UK would like to see a full review into Carer’s Allowance and its eligibility rules to ensure that it adequately values and supports carers. To view a full recording of the committee click here.
Emily Holzhausen CBE, Director of Policy and Public Affairs, said:
“It was Carers UK — then known as the National Council for the Single Woman and Her Dependents — that led the campaign to establish Carer’s Allowance, securing its introduction in 1976. Almost five decades later, however, the social and economic landscape has changed beyond recognition.
“Women, who continue to make up the majority of unpaid carers, are now more likely to be in paid employment. Many are juggling work alongside significant caring responsibilities. Nearly fifty years on, we must ask whether Carer’s Allowance remains fit for purpose – if rigid rules and earnings limits reflect the realities of modern working life.
“From next year Carer’s Allowance will stand at £86.45 per week for a minimum of 35 hours of care — equivalent to just £2.47 per hour — making it the lowest benefit of its kind. Meanwhile, 62% of those receiving Carer’s Allowance are living in poverty.
“Carers UK is concerned about how Carer’s Allowance interacts with the wider social security system. Its interaction with Universal Credit is far from seamless. It overlaps with the State Pension and does not fully meet the needs of older carers, those caring for more than one person, and students.
“Despite its low rate, Carer’s Allowance remains an extremely important benefit with enormous symbolic and practical value because it recognises and validates the vital contribution carers make. But recognition must be matched with fairness. Nearly 50 years on, the case for a full review and meaningful reform to ensure it properly supports carers today and in the future is undeniable.”
