On Wednesday 15 November, we joined other members of the Carer Poverty Coalition in signing an open letter to the Chancellor ahead of the Autumn statement, urging him to provide more financial support for unpaid carers.
Formed in February 2023 and led by Carers UK, the Carer Poverty Coalition works to advocate for policy change that adequately values, recognises and supports unpaid carers. Carer poverty is an urgent issue: according to Carers UK research, over a third (34%) of carers said they had cut back on essentials such as food or heating, compared to 25% in 2022, and 13% in 2021. 75% of those receiving Carer’s Allowance are now struggling to make ends meet.
We have asked the Chancellor to reform the benefits system to better support carers, including raising the level of Carer’s Allowance and increasing its earnings limit. We have also called on him to set out funded measures across social care and employment for enabling and supporting unpaid carers to enter or remain in paid work.
We would welcome your support in writing to your local MP, to ensure they are aware of our campaign and to ask them for their own support in putting pressure on the Government.
A template letter is available for you to send, and we encourage you to insert information about your own experience of providing unpaid care if you would like to do so.
To read the open letter to the Chancellor, click here.
To write to your MP, click here.
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Visit our online support section where we have provided advice and guidance on a range of relevant topics to help you in your caring role.