Thank you to all those who have contacted me about support for unpaid carers.

I am committed to ensuring that carers have better support, including when it comes to looking after their own health and wellbeing.

In the Autumn 2024 Budget, presented to the House of Commons on 30 October, the Government increased the Carer’s Allowance weekly earnings limit. This will improve financial security for carers to support them into work or to work more hours if they choose. Under the changes announced in the Budget, the Carer’s Allowance Weekly Earnings Limit will rise to the equivalent of 16 hours at the National Living Wage (NLW). This is an increase of £45 per week and will allow over 60,000 more carers to access this important source of support. It represents the largest increase to the earnings limit since Carer’s Allowance was introduced in 1976.

In addition, the Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed it will keep Carer’s Allowance under review to see if it meets its objectives. I note that in the previous Parliament, the House of Commons Work and Pensions Select Committee made several recommendations for reform to Carer’s Allowance. Please be assured that the Government will respond to those recommendations in due course.

Because the Government recognises that many unpaid carers face challenges balancing working with caring for loved ones, it has also pledged to review the implementation of carer’s leave. It will also examine the benefits of going further by introducing paid carer’s leave.

More widely, I believe that long-term reform to social care provision would also provide important help to unpaid carers. The Government has plans to establish a National Care Service (NCS), which I welcome. The NCS will be underpinned by national standards and delivered locally to ensure that everyone, including unpaid carers, has the support to live independent, dignified lives. I note the Government intends to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including unpaid carers, to ensure their voices are heard as it develops these plans. I support this consultative approach to this issue.

Thank you to all those who have contacted me to share your views.