Trust puts pressure on government over Carer’s Allowance

Carer’s Allowance has today been increased from £50.55 to £53.10 per week. But for many carers who rely on the allowance, the £2.55 increase will make little difference to their lives in poverty.

The Princess Royal Trust for Carers is continuing to pressure the government to reform Carer’s Allowance to ensure greater support for carers. Chief Executive Carole Cochrane explained:

“Prime Minister Gordon Brown will be meeting with carers’ organisations shortly and we will be raising benefit support as one of the key issues that must be addressed.

“It is not just the amount of Carer’s Allowance that must be increased but also the numbers of carers who can receive it as the vast majority do not qualify for it, even after having to give up work to care.”

Only 500,000 out the UK’s 6 million carers qualify and receive Carer’s Allowance. And there are a large number of rules limiting the number of carers who can receive Carer’s Allowance and putting carers off applying.

A recent National Audit Office report found that one-third of carers found the application process difficult.

Find out more about benefits for carers

Published: 7 April 2009