Richard recently spoke in the House of Commons debate on the Social Security Benefits Up-rating Orders. These orders increase state pensions and benefits by 10.1% from April 2023, in line with the increase in the consumer prices index in the year to September 2022.
During the debate, Richard raised the issue of how changes in benefits and increases in the Living Wage were affecting the eligibility for Carer's Allowance.
Richard Fuller MP said:
A constituent came to a recent surgery and explained to me her frustration at the way eligibility for Carer's Allowance was being affected by changes in benefits and increases in the Living Wage.
Carer's Allowance is a recognition for people who care for a relative who needs support for 35 hours a week or more. To be eligible, there is a cap on earnings of £132 per week. Many carers also work – usually finding hours around their caring responsibilities. However, their ability to do so has become challenged due to the faster rate increases in the Living Wage compared to the earnings cap. Since 2018-19, the Living Wage has increased 21% but the earning limit has increased by only 10% over the same period. As a result, some recipients of Carer’s Allowance have found that the number of hours they can work has reduced. I raised this with the Minister and he said he was actively looking at this issue.
I am grateful to my constituent for drawing my attention to this matter.
Richard's exchange with the Minister can be watched here.
The full debate can be read in Hansard here.
