The Independent Review of Carer's Allowance takes its next step
to supporting unpaid carers by publishing its terms of reference
today [Monday 9 December].
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Review terms of reference published marks an important next
step to help unpaid carers across the country
-
An independent review to investigate earnings related Carer's
Allowance overpayments was announced in mid-October
-
Publication of Terms of Reference follows changes to the
earnings threshold announced in the Budget which will benefit
more than 60,000 carers by 2029/30
The Independent Review of Carer's Allowance takes its next step
to supporting unpaid carers by publishing its terms of reference
today [Monday 9 December].
The review - announced by Work and Pensions Secretary earlier this year and led by Liz Sayce OBE - was
established to investigate the reasons why overpayments have
occurred for some carers as part of our mission to rebuild
Britain and support working people.
It follows concerns over reports of carers unknowingly accruing
large amounts of overpayments of Carer's Allowance, signalling
the Government's commitment to learn lessons and get to grips
with the issues.
Now the scale and scope of the review has been confirmed with the
publication of its terms of reference. It will explore:
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How overpayments of Carer's Allowance linked to earnings
accrued and why this has happened
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What changes can be made to reduce the risk of such
overpayments accruing in future
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What DWP can best
do to support those who have already accrued
overpayments
Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir MP, said:
Carers wishing to pursue more financial independence should be
encouraged to do so and not be unknowingly punished.
We need to get to the bottom of what has been going on.
Publication of the terms of reference is the next step in this
important work. The Review also builds on the action we've
already taken to boost the earnings threshold which will benefit
more than 60,000 carers.
The review is expected to deliver its findings and
recommendations to ministers by Summer 2025.
Chair of the independent review, Liz Sayce OBE, said:
I'm pleased my important work on this review is now starting in
earnest. I have already started to hear from carers about the
impact overpayments have had on them, in a context in which
people face multiple pressures in their lives. I will be
collecting views and evidence as I review the issues and develop
recommendations. In doing so, I will be able to advise the
Government on ways to minimise overpayments of Carer's Allowance
related to earnings accruing in future and how it can best
support those already affected.
Action has already been taken by the Government by boosting the
Carer's Allowance earnings threshold by £45 a week to £196,
benefitting more than 60,000 carers by 2029/30. This is the
biggest ever cash increase in the earnings threshold for Carer's
Allowance.
Additional Information:
