The House of Commons Work and Pensions Committee inquired into the effectiveness of the Department for Work and Pensions’ existing approach to carers. It expresses its disappointment that benefits for carers were not directly addressed in the Carers Strategy and were only identified as a long-term priority from 2011 onwards.

It believes that the current system of benefits for carers is outdated and recommends the introduction of two distinctive ‘tiers’ of support for carers, offering: (i) income replacement support for carers unable to work, or working only part-time; and (ii) compensation for the additional costs of caring for all carers in intensive caring roles.  It also recommends that the Department for Work and Pensions ensure that in caring for family members, young carers are not disadvantaged in accessing opportunities for education, training and employment.

The report is available to download from the Work and Pensions Committee website.