Unpaid carers in the UK are currently facing extreme levels of poverty, with one in ten struggling to afford basic necessities like food and heating, according to new research. These unsung heroes, who sacrifice their time and energy to care for disabled or ill relatives, are paying the price for “holding society together.” The government has been urged to address this unacceptable situation and reform outdated carer benefits to alleviate their financial burden.
The main issue lies in the flawed design of the carer’s allowance, which discourages unpaid carers from part-time work and traps them in poverty. Recent scandals involving overpayments and punitive rules have brought the plight of carers into the public eye, sparking outrage and comparisons to the Post Office scandal. Carers UK is calling for an overhaul of the carer’s allowance system, with increased earnings limits and higher benefit amounts to lift carers out of poverty.
These changes would not only benefit carers but also help tackle child poverty and support the economy by enabling more carers to re-enter the workforce. The situation is urgent, and immediate action is needed to prevent further financial hardship for these essential members of society.
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