@Paola_Carers_UK @Michael_CarersUK
FYI
Like my friends here, when I completed the questionnaire I felt there was a definite over focus on work and earning.
I understand Carers UK walks a thin line lobbying the government for change and you may be trying to build evidence to counter the government principle (ref1) of NOT using carers allowance as a ‘Universal basic income’???
BUT until the overpayments scandal(ref2) is resolved ie the carers ‘debt’ due to the DWPs own administrative mistakes, is wiped, even discussing carers working while caring, detracts from the cliff edge £196 earnings limit and the DWP heaping more issues on carers who, as we all know, contribute £184bn (the equivalent of a second NHS budget) ie SAVE the Health and social care government dept money.
My bone of contention is that the most vulnerable carers, who have no choice but to supplement carers allowance working are ALSO being subjected to system failures of the DWP. The government needs to get their own productivity and house in order instead of pursuing/criminalising carers for their mistakes.
Personally, I’d rather see employers and Carers UK focus on that scandal rather than substantiating why carers take up work or not to earn more than carers allowance.
(ref1) Carers allowance petition to increase to level of minimum wage clear statement response from government saying carers allowance will not be levelled with the minimum wage
(Ref2) The Facts Behind An Ongoing Injustice. - by Victoria “Unpaid carers in the UK are being plunged into debt and prosecuted for fraud by the Department for Work and Pensions over its own benefit overpayments.”- Patrick Butler, Social Policy Editor The Guardian. AND press releases statements by Carers UK