Written question asked by David Laws (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 17 November 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 21 November 2006. It was answered by Anne McGuire (Labour) on Tuesday, 30 January 2007 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Carers

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what strategies his Department has for extending and developing support for carers under the age of 25; and if he will make a statement;

Answer: The Department already works closely with the Department for Education and Skills to ensure joined-up and consistent policy development for carers of school age.Carers between 16 and 25 years of age are eligible for the same range of support from DWP as carers of other ages, depending on their personal circumstances. This includes the full range of social security benefits, including carer's allowance, as well as employment-related support from Jobcentre Plus such as work-focused interviews. We have no plans to create specific arrangements for carers below 25, or to change existing arrangements.

Secondary information