The Universal Credit Bill has now completed all of its stages through Parliament.

Emily Holzhausen CBE, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Carers UK, said:

“We were pleased to see the clear commitment made by Baroness Sherlock, as the Minister responding on behalf of the Government during the Lords debate last night, to engaging carers organisations throughout the upcoming Timms Review of the PIP assessment.

“This is critical as PIP is a key gateway benefit to the main carers’ benefit, Carer’s Allowance and unpaid carers can be affected by any future changes to PIP.

“This must be meaningful, including a detailed appraisal of the impact of any future changes on rates of poverty amongst carers as well as access to Carer’s Allowance.

“Despite the earlier concessions made by the Government, we continue to have serious concerns that this Bill will still have considerable financial consequences for those with health conditions and unpaid carers who support them. New claimants for the health element of Universal Credit are set to receive significantly less financial support than they do now and this reduction in household income will leave those with disabilities and their families substantially worse off in the future.

"Unpaid carers support is worth a staggering £184 billion a year and yet 1.2 million are living in poverty as a result of caring. Most have no choice about providing unpaid care. Whilst Government has raised the earnings limit for Carer’s Allowance which is positive, there is still much more that needs to be done to lift carers out of poverty.”