Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent assessment her Department has made of the impact of Carer's Allowance on the ability of unpaid carers to undertake employment.

The benefit system aims to support unpaid carers to work where they can and choose to do so. Those receiving Carer’s Allowance can receive net earnings of up to £132 a week. This earnings limit has increased by around one third since 2010. Many carers who are receiving Carer’s Allowance and doing some work will also be receiving Universal Credit. For those receiving Universal Credit, the 55% taper rate and any applicable work allowance will help to ensure that people are better off in work.