CARERS' POVERTY

Early day motion 869, tabled 19 June 2000 by Lord Cotter (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 81 members.

That this House expresses concern over research recently published by the Carers' National Association which paints a picture of many carers suffering financial hardship as a result of caring, with 77 per cent. of carers saying that they are worse off since becoming carers; regrets that the main carers' benefit, invalid care allowance, is the lowest benefit of its kind and is not available to carers over the age of 65 years; and urges the Government to make greater provision for carers by means of improving basic incomes and ensuring that people are aware of benefits to which they are entitled, bearing in mind that 40 per cent. of disability benefits go unclaimed.

Signatures by party: Labour 46, Liberal Democrat 27, Labour/Co-operative 3, Plaid Cymru 2, Scottish National Party 2, UUP 1.