Scarborough and Whitby MP Continues Fight for Carer's Rights After Budget Success

Scarborough and Whitby MP Alison Hume says she'll continue to fight for the rights of carers as she prepares to mark Carers Rights Day on November 21.

The MP has welcomed the Chancellor's recognition of the issues faced by carers during the autumn statement last week.

Alison Hume said:

"I was obviously extremely grateful that the Chancellor acknowledged my concerns about carers in the House of Commons during her historic budget speech, and it was heartening to hear that the concerns I raised with her contributed to an increase in the Carer's Allowance threshold, allowing claimants to work up to 16 hours a week.

This means 60,000 carers in Yorkshire and nearly 1.4 million carers across the country can now earn over £10,000 a year while receiving Carer's Allowance, allowing them to increase their hours where they want to and keep more of their money."

Ms Hume says it's now really important that all carers check if they're eligible for Carer's Allowance.

"According to the last census the total number of unpaid carers in Scarborough and Whitby is over 9,000, yet just 1,480 people are claiming Carer's Allowance. This means thousands of people might be missing out on a benefit that could make a huge difference to the quality of their lives."

Ms Hume says she's also pleased the Government has announced a review into Carer's Allowance overpayments after she raised the issue in the House of Commons with the Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms.

Alison Hume added:.

"Carers who earn more than the permitted amount from a paid job alongside caring are being left deep in debt by having to make full repayments - even if they earn just a penny more than the allowed amount,"  

"Some constituents have been left thousands of pounds in debt.

"I'm delighted the Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has announced a review to focus on how and why overpayments were accrued, operational changes to minimise future overpayment risk and how the DWP can best support those with overpayments."

The theme of this year's Carer's Rights Day is 'recognising your rights' and Ms Hume says she wants to ensure that carers in Scarborough and Whitby are not only aware of the benefits they're entitled to but also knowledgeable about their legal rights.

"Every day, 12,000 people become unpaid carers for a partner, family member or a friend, Knowing your rights as a carer empowers you to feel confident asking for what you need, as well as challenging things when your rights are not being met - whether that be in the workplace or education, in accessing health or social care, or when interacting with other professionals or at home."

Ms Hume says she's had many cases of carers in her constituency not being aware of their legal right to take up to five days unpaid leave per annum. This can help carers manage some of the day-to-day challenges they face - and help them stay in employment.

"Some carers don't realise that if they're juggling work with caring responsibilities, they have the right to request flexible working. Many don't realise they can ask their GP practice to identify them as a carer on their patient record meaning better access for vaccines or other public health campaigns. If you're a carer and the person you care for is being discharged from hospital, many don't realise that the hospital must identify and consult with you, where possible."

In addition, Ms Hume says that it's important for carers to look after their own health and the wellbeing of those they care for and that carers have a right to request a free flu jab.

"I have been a carer myself and I know firsthand the toll that caring for our loved ones takes. People make incredible sacrifices to care for parents, siblings, children, grandchildren and other loved ones and I appeal to everyone to take some time to find out what support you can access to make life a bit easier and less stressful."

Carers can find more information about their rights, carer's benefits and support via the charity,  Carer's UK (t: 020 7378 4999) and online at https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/