The Government will make changes to the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill ahead of its second reading on Tuesday 1st July. 

Responding to these changes Helen Walker, Chief Executive at Carers UK, said:

“The Government has agreed to protect existing claimants on PIP. This will be a huge relief for unpaid carers whose income via Carer’s Allowance is reliant on the person they care for receiving a relevant disability benefit such as the daily living component of PIP. Many have increased costs and face significant financial challenges because of their caring roles.

“It’s important that the Government has listened and made changes, but we remain deeply concerned about future carers. Around 12,000 people become an unpaid carer every day in the UK. The bill as it stands will still include the new four-point rule for PIP and doesn’t change the fact that many new claimants will lose out – it still represents a reduction in financial support and a bleak outlook for future carers who won't be entitled.

“These carers will be providing 35 hours per week or more making it extremely difficult to work as a result and with no recognition or financial support. There are already half a million carers receiving Carer’s Allowance who are living in poverty. We need the Government to improve carers’ benefits, rather than to cut them. Carers UK is calling for a separate stream of engagement with unpaid carers considering the impacts of the PIP review and a full review of Carer’s Allowance.”