Sanders - 'Carers hit hard by abolition of 10p tax rate'

Adrian has signed a Parliamentary Motion that,  as well as promoting Carers Week (9^th – 15^th June 2008), notes the invaluable contribution unpaid carers make while receiving little support from the Government.

People providing high levels of care are twice as likely to be permanently sick or disabled  however many carers are unknown to local authorities meaning they their health needs are often overlooked.  It is estimated that by 2037 we will need 3.4 million more carers to match the increase in disabled and frail people.

In a separate Parliamentary Motion Adrian has noted that carers are one of the groups most likely to be adversely affected by the abolition of the 10p tax rate. Carers earnings cannot exceed £95 net per week in order to qualify for Carers Allowance Benefit. That maximum individual earnings combined with the Carer’s Allowance equates to only £7,568 per annum meaning that carers will see their tax bill increase by around £150 per year.

Adrian commented:

“Carers save this Government  billions of pounds every year and yet they do not receive the support they both need and deserve. The abolition of the 10p tax rate will hit carers hard, especially as they are unlikely to qualify for Working Tax Credits because they are unable to work the required hours"

“I hope the Government uses the publication of its upcoming National Strategy for Carers as an opportunity to address the financial issues facing carers today”