Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael has today written to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions the Rt. Hon Yvette Cooper MP urging her to simplify the system of carers benefits after a highly critical report released today condemned the current system as ‘unnecessary complex and causes confusion’.
The House of Commons Public Accounts Committee’s report entitled ‘Supporting Carers to Care’ also says the bureaucracy of the target culture at Jobcentres means work advisers are not given enough incentives to help carers find part time work which they can fit in around their caring responsibilities.
Commenting, Mr Carmichael said;
‘Today’s report proves what many of us have been saying for years about the over complex benefits system. I have constituents who contact me every month despairing at the current system. Today’s report highlights a small number of the problems encountered by carers. Ranging from difficulties understanding what information they are required to provide in order to receive benefits and confusion surrounding what they are entitled to receive.
‘The report specifically notes the complexity caused by the interaction of carer’s benefit with benefits received by the person for whom they care. This is because receipt of carer’s benefit can reduce the cared for persons benefit. In my letter to the Secretary of State I have asked when she plans to take action in order to simplify this confusing system and help those who so generously give their time and effort to help others. A fair and simple carer’s benefits system is the least the government can do to support the many people who look after vulnerable friends and relatives across the Isles’.
Across Scotland there are approximately 600,000 unpaid carers whose caring is estimated to save the Scottish economy £5billion, almost the same as the total cost of running the Scottish NHS.
The main carers’ benefit, the Carers Allowance, is currently £53.10 for a minimum of 35 hours a week or £1.52 per hour, compared to the national minimum wage of £5.73 per hour.
Notes to editors:
A copy of the report can be seen online at - http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmpubacc.htm