Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said:

“We are very concerned that the plans the Government has published today could hit unpaid carers, disabled people and their families very hard, if implemented in full. 

“While we agree the current system is unfit for purpose and a greater focus on prevention, early intervention and personalised support are much needed, the financial impact of tightening eligibility to essential disability benefits could severely impact on individuals and families who are already struggling financially.  

“1.2 million unpaid carers in the UK are living in poverty, (with 400,000 in deep poverty). Raising the qualifying threshold for support could mean even more carers will struggle to afford essentials like food and heating. 

“Future changes to Personal Independence Payments (PIP) are likely to affect carers’ entitlement to Carer’s Allowance – over half of Carer’s Allowance awards are tied to PIP. Many carers have disabilities or long-term health conditions and caring is a risk factor in having to give up work. 28% of carers are disabled, compared with 18% of non-carers. Around 150,000 unpaid carers also receive both Carer’s Allowance and PIP, relying on these vital benefits to get by. 

“Government could have taken the opportunity to do much more for unpaid carers in this green paper, particularly around enabling and supporting unpaid carers to remain part of the workforce where they are able to do so. Carers’ benefits are long overdue for reform.  They also need better support from the NHS with their own health as well as good quality, affordable social care to help them stay in or re-enter work. Unpaid carers and their families need to get adequate financial support, whether they are in or out of the workplace.”