As part of our work to mark Carers Rights Day, carers went to Downing Street on 7th December to hand in a petition about Carers Allowance. Nearly two and a half thousand signatures were collected, asking the Government to make the Carers Allowance a fair and just benefit for all carers. Changes to the rules on earnings, and on the "overlap" with retirement pension were part of the campaign. (Please note however that you may still gain by claiming Carers Allowance in other ways, even if you receive Retirement Pension, so don't be put off claiming and seek advice if necessary!)

We went to Downing Street with local MP David Clelland who has been asking questions related to Carers Allowance in Parliament in recent weeks and is supporting GCA. We were pleased to have television coverage on Tyne Tees, featuring interviews with Debra Sales and Elsie Johnson, carers who formed part of the delegation.

After we handed in the petition, we had a meeting with Anne Maguire MP who is an Under Secretary of State at the Department of Work and Pensions, and is responsible for Carers Allowance. She listened carefully to what we had to say, and we were able to make all the points we wanted. We don't expect any immediate change but the campaign will go on. Watch this space!