National Carers Strategy

Baroness Burt of Solihull Excerpts

Tuesday 19th November 2024 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

It is indeed the case that using technology and digital advance is key in all the areas where we are working, and the noble Lord will know that in the 10-year plan one of the three pillars will be, for example, going from analogue to digital. On that point, plans for going forward in dealing with social care, which is much needed in this country, will be set out in due course. I assure your Lordships’ House that it will be done through a cross-party approach, involving those with lived experience and the many voices and organisations that are part of the social care sector. We are keen that it is something that we can all get behind.

[Baroness Burt of Solihull (LD)]

As the Minister has said, the carer’s allowance was increased in the Budget by what can only be described as a modest amount, but it remains at one of the lowest levels for any benefit in the UK today. No help has been given to any carer who inadvertently overclaimed, even by £1. If the Government chose, they could stop collecting the overpayments while the independent review that they have commissioned takes place. Carers saddled with returning this money are struggling and suffering now. Why cannot the Government give them a break?

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I understand the point that the noble Baroness is making. Certainly we recognise that overpayments have caused people great anxiety. That is why it is important to review the circumstances independently, so we can find out exactly what went wrong and make things right, so it does not happen again. The main message I would give is to urge anyone in receipt of carer’s allowance to inform the DWP of any change in their circumstances in respect of the earnings limit, so that overpayments can be avoided. But we are seeking to work constructively to ensure that this is not an ongoing problem.