Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK said:  

“It’s important that the Government has listened and made amendments, but should these proposals go ahead, this will be potentially devastating for future carers and risks the creation of a two-tier system.  

“Whilst unpaid carers currently eligible for Carer’s Allowance because the person they care for receives a relevant disability benefit* are relieved they will not lose it, there appears to be no such protection for future carers. The way carers have described these changes could be catastrophic for future carer’s finances.   

“Our latest analysis has found that whilst 69,000 current unpaid carers won’t lose Carer’s Allowance and/or the Carer Element of Universal Credit, 81,000 future unpaid carers would - a budget reduction of £270 million by 2029/30.  

“To claim Carer’s Allowance, you must spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone and they must receive a relevant disability benefit, such as the Daily Living Component of PIP. Carer’s Allowance remains the lowest benefit of its kind and already half a million of unpaid carers in receipt of it are living in poverty. Those providing 35 hours or more of care can find it very difficult to work as a result of their caring, with no recognition or financial support.  

“We want to see a separate stream of engagement with unpaid carers considering the impact of these proposals and recognise the importance of ensuring they are adequately supported, whether in or out of paid employment. We need to see the Government improve benefits available to unpaid carers, not reduce them.” 

Notes to Editors 

*Unpaid carers eligibility for Carer’s Allowance is reliant on the person they care for being in receipt of a relevant disability benefit such as the daily living component of PIP. Many unpaid carers have higher costs and experience significant financial challenges because of their caring responsibilities.