Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of not renewing funding for the Household Support Fund on unpaid family carers.

At Spring Budget the Chancellor announced a six-month extension of the Household Support Fund, to continue to provide targeted support to those most in need. The government is providing an additional £500m to enable the extension of the Household Support Fund, including funding for the Devolved Administrations through the Barnett formula to be spent at their discretion. This means that Local Authorities in England will receive an additional £421m to support those in need locally through the Household Support Fund.

This Government recognises and values the vital contribution made by carers in supporting some of the most vulnerable in society, including pensioners and those with disabilities. Carer’s Allowance is available to provide a measure of financial support and recognition for people who are not able to work full time because of their caring responsibilities. The rate of Carer’s Allowance is £76.75 a week, from April 2024 this will increase to £81.90 a week. Since 2010, the rate of Carer’s Allowance will have increased from £53.90 to £81.90 a week from April 2024, providing around an £1500 a year for carers through Carer’s Allowance.

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.

Receiving a means-tested benefit can act as a “passport” to other support, including help with fuel costs through schemes such as the Warm Home Discount, so carers who are not receiving a means-tested benefit already are encouraged to check whether they might be entitled. Full details of all DWP benefits are available on Gov.UK. Help and Advice can also be sought from bodies such as Carers UK, Carers Trust, and Citizens Advice through their Help to Claim support.