Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir ): The Government has today
launched a Call for Evidence on the modernisation and reform of
Carer's Allowance. This is available on GOV.UK and accessible
format versions will be available on request.Minister for Social
Security and Disability ()
Modernising for the future
Carer's Allowance was introduced in 1976 and has not kept pace
with changes in how people balance work and caring
responsibilities. Many carers want the flexibility to combine
some paid work with their caring responsibilities.
We have taken steps to improve the system, including increasing
the Carer's Allowance earnings limit to align with 16 hours at
the National Living Wage, improving guidance for staff and
customers, and strengthening processes to identify and prevent
overpayments earlier.
But we recognise there is more to do and are therefore
considering how the benefit can be modernised for the future,
including reforms such as an earnings taper and automating the
calculation of earnings where possible using data collected by
HMRC.
Building the evidence base
This Call for Evidence is an important next step in that process.
We are seeking views and evidence to better understand how
Carer's Allowance can:
- support carers to balance paid work and caring
responsibilities;
- ensure the system is clear and easy to understand;
- maintain fairness and value for money for taxpayers.
Evidence gathered through this exercise will inform future policy
development. We are particularly interested in views on the
current earnings rules, including the earnings limit and whether
a more predictable approach to how earnings are averaged would
better support carers.
We will consider the wider fiscal impacts of reforms and the need
to ensure that support is targeted effectively.
We want to hear from carers, representative organisations and
others with relevant experience to shape our understanding and
inform next steps.
