Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of (a) increasing the level of carers allowance and (b) aligning that increase with unemployment benefit.

The Government believes in providing the most support to those in the greatest need. Carer’s Allowance is payable to those whose ability to undertake paid employment is reduced by their caring responsibilities. It is not means-tested and is not based on a previous record of contributions. Jobseeker’s Allowance is a contributory benefit paid to those who are seeking work. It is also not means-tested but is based on previous National Insurance record which is reflected in the rate payable. In both cases, however, payments can be supplemented for those on low incomes by Universal Credit. Those with caring responsibilities can receive a Carer Element in Universal Credit of around £2,000 a year. This is in addition to the standard allowance and other amounts of Universal Credit that are payable to people without caring responsibilities, targeting additional support on those carers in the greatest need.