Cold Christmas for carers

Today in the Government’s pre-budget report, carers learned that they will not receive an additional Christmas payment, whereas last year they received a £70 “bonus”. Carers will watch with disbelief debates about the necessity of giving bankers bonuses worth millions.

Whilst bankers arguably cost the country billions, carers save the country up to £87 billion every year and will see their Carer’s Allowance rise by only 80p in 2010.

This means that Carer’s Allowance will remain the lowest income replacement benefit, even lower than Jobseeker’s Allowance.

Carole Cochrane, Chief Executive of The Princess Royal Trust for Carers warned that this would increase the pressure on carers who already experience poor health and poverty.

“Every day, ordinary people have to give up well-paid jobs to provide round the clock care to a family member. One third of carers have to cut back on food or struggle to pay utility bills. Increased poverty will see more ordinary people collapse under the strains of caring, but without carers, the NHS and social services simply could not cope. This country cannot afford not to support carers properly.”

Anne Roberts, Chief Executive of Crossroads Care said: “There is no justification whatsoever for Carer’s Allowance being the lowest benefit. It would only cost £150m to increase Carer’s Allowance to the level of Jobseeker’s Allowance.

"Yes, the country is facing financial problems, but the government spends £600bn p/a so there is the money available to increase support for carers. Indeed, the Chancellor estimated in today’s report that he will receive £500m from a special tax on bonuses given to bankers. It is time that carers receive the support that they need and deserve.”

Note: from April 2010, Carer’s Allowance will be increased to £53.90 per week to carers who provide more than 35 hours of care every week to a relative or friend who may be disabled or seriously ill.

Published: 9 December 2009