Written question asked by Paul Goggins (Labour) on Monday, 19 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 2 April 2001. It was answered by Hugh Bayley (Labour) on Monday, 2 April 2001 on behalf of the Department of Social Security.

Dept of Social Security

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, What action he is taking to increase support for older carers. (Failed OPQ). - Includes figures.

Answer: Mr. Goggins: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what action he is taking to increase support for older carers. [154894] Mr. Bayley: We have substantially increased the carer premium in Income Support to £24.40 from 1 April. This will benefit some 36,000 low income carers aged 60 years or over. We also propose to extend eligibility to apply for Invalid Care Allowance (ICA) to carers aged 65 or over as soon as a legislative opportunity permits. This will enable some older carers with limited entitlement to retirement pension to receive ICA, either at the full rate or as a top-up. In addition, many pensioner carers will be able to receive carer premium paid on top of the Minimum Income Guarantee for the first time.

Secondary information