Social Care

Baroness Verma Excerpts

Tuesday 24th June 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

I thank my noble friend for his question and take this opportunity to pay tribute to all those unpaid carers who make such an important contribution to the lives of the most vulnerable in our society. This Government are committed to ensuring that families have the support they need, and we know that many people want to play a role caring for their family and friends. Quite frankly, it is exceptionally difficult at times. We want to ensure that they are better able to look after their own health and well-being, which will enable them to care for others. To support our unpaid carers, in April 2025 the Government increased the carer’s allowance weekly earnings limit from £150 to £196. This is the largest ever increase. I know that the noble Baroness, Lady Casey, through her commission, will be looking at this situation very closely as we move forward.

[Baroness Verma (Con)]

My Lords, I declare my interest as a director of an adult social care business. It is time—and I hope the review looks at this—to rename carers something other than “carers”, because it distorts the training and level of professionalism that carers provide every day. If we try to rephrase the name “carers”, they may see that there is a career progress model in place for them.

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

I welcome the comments from the noble Baroness, Lady Casey, that she will look to reach out to all the different organisations, including the voluntary sector and carers themselves. She will hear from across the sector, and I am sure that the noble Baroness, Lady Verma, will make her voice heard as we take this work forward.