Government Moves to End 'Cliff Edge' for Unpaid Carers
New measures include a taper system for benefits, extended parental pay, and a freeze on fuel duty ahead of Wednesday's Budget.
Callum Smith
The Government announced plans to overhaul benefits for unpaid carers.
Unpaid carers face a harsh penalty: exceed an earnings limit, even slightly, and support vanishes. Carer's allowance, currently £86.45 a week, is available to any carer aged 16 or older.
Ministers unveiled a series of "everyday fixes" to combat the cost-of-living crisis, set for Wednesday’s Budget. The Chancellor will eliminate the Carers’ Allowance cliff edge, government claims confirm.
We are taking on the big challenges facing the country but that doesn’t mean losing sight of the everyday problems that cost people money or simply aren’t fair.
The Government also plans to make a higher tax-free mileage allowance of 55p permanent. Parental pay will extend to over 150,000 parents annually, including self-employed fathers.
Separately, the national living wage will rise from £12.71 to £13.20. Fuel duty is to be frozen at 52p per litre.
Tariffs on specific foods—chocolate, beans, gherkins—will be reduced to lower consumer prices. A £432 million boost is planned to assist homeless people by Christmas.
Andy Burnham stated, "We are taking on the big challenges facing the country but that doesn’t mean losing sight of the everyday problems that cost people money or simply aren’t fair." He added that these changes will "make life a little easier and put more money back in your pocket" for nurses driving for work, parents with new babies, or unpaid carers picking up extra shifts.
go further to give families and businesses the breathing space they need at the Budget on Wednesday.
The Prime Minister claims the Government will "go further to give families and businesses the breathing space they need at the Budget on Wednesday." This announcement comes as approximately six million households are eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter.