MPs seek more assistance for carers

MPs are calling on the Government to revamp the benefits system for unpaid carers.

The Commons Work and Pensions Select Committee said current arrangements are outdated and the Government should provide extra financial help to support people who care for relatives and friends.

Their support was of "critical importance" and saves the taxpayer an estimated £87 billion every year, the Committee argues.

Its latest report, Valuing and Supporting Carers, recommends income replacement for those who have to work part-time or are unable to work because of their commitments, and compensation for the extra costs incurred from providing "intensive" caring roles.

The MPs say they are "disappointed" the Government had not directly addressed financial help for carers in its Carers Strategy and that the group were only identified as a long-term priority from 2011.

Carers struggled to remain in work because of a lack of affordable, reliable and flexible care services and they often suffered "opportunity penalties", finding their vocational skills became rusty and out of date.

The committee's report said: "We believe that the current system of benefits for carers is outdated and we recommend the introduction of two distinctive 'tiers' of support for carers, offering income replacement support for carers unable to work, or working only part-time, and compensation for the additional costs of caring for all carers in intensive caring roles."

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