‘Policies must deal with benefits trap’

A carers’ charity has welcomed draft guidance for the
implementation of carers’ legislation, but accused the government
of failing to address the “benefit trap” for carers who want to
work.

The Princess Royal Trust for Carers praised efforts to ensure that
other departments as well as health and social services had to look
at providing services for carers.

But the charity called for more support for carers on benefits who
were seeking work, and pointed out that those earning more than
£77 a week lost their benefits.

“The benefits trap is not being addressed, preventing many carers
from seeking work and condemning them to a future without
sufficient funds for their retirement,” said a spokesperson.

Guidance on the Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000 and the
Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004 was published last month by
the Department of Health and sent out to organisations for
consultation.

• <25CF> Consultation ends on 18 March. Guidance from
  www.dh.gov.uk