Carers UK comments on the government’s Welfare Reform Bill, which confirms that Carer’s Allowance will remain outside of the Universal Credit.

Commenting on the publication of the Government’s Welfare Reform Bill, which confirms that Carer’s Allowance will remain outside of the Universal Credit, Carers UK Chief Executive Imelda Redmond CBE, said:

“We are pleased to see that Carer’s Allowance will remain a non means-tested benefit. It is clear that the Government were considering drawing Carer’s Allowance into the new system and if this had been the case, hundreds of thousands of carers would have faced a means-test and the risk of losing their Carer’s Allowance and a key recognition of their contribution to society.

We are pleased that the Government has listened to us and preserved this important right – recognising that carers have a unique place in the benefits system.

The Government is still making major changes to the welfare system which will affect carers. Carers who already receive means-tested benefits will be moved onto the Universal Credit and families are facing major reforms and, in some cases, reductions to disability benefits. We will be scrutinising all of the Government’s plans for the benefits system and fighting to ensure that families, who are saving the UK £87 billion every year with the care they provide, get the support and recognition they need.”