Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of paying carers at national living wage rates.

Many people will care for friends or family members at some point in their life, and it is right that we recognise the vitally important role of unpaid carers. That is why we are expecting to spend around £4.2 billion this year to support them through Carer’s Allowance.

The principal purpose of Carer's Allowance is to provide a measure of financial support and recognition for people who are not able to work full-time because of their caring responsibilities. It was never intended to be a carer's wage nor a payment for the services of caring and is, therefore, not comparable with the National Living Wage.

The Secretary of State undertakes a statutory annual review of benefit and pensions, and the level of Carer’s Allowance is protected by Up-rating it each year in line with the Consumer Prices Index (CPI).

In addition to Carer’s Allowance, carers on low incomes can claim income-related benefits, such as Universal Credit and Pension Credit. These benefits can be paid to carers at a higher rate than those without caring responsibilities through the carer element and the additional amount for carers respectively.