ADAM CALLS FOR CARERS ALLOWANCE REVIEW

ADAM CALLS FOR CARERS ALLOWANCE REVIEW
Brian Adam, MSP for Aberdeen North has today written to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Ian Duncan Smith, and also to Labour MP for Aberdeen South Anne Begg, Chair of the Select Committee for Work and Pensions, to ask for a review of the Carers Allowance.
Today [Monday 14th of June] marks the start of Carers week across the UK.  Mr Adam has highlighted the problems created by low payments to carers, eligibility criteria which excludes some from claiming the allowance, and the fact that carers are saving the state significant sums of money by looking after family members and loved ones.
Mr Adam said:
"It has been clear to me for some time that the Carers Allowance is simply not fit for purpose. Carers do a great service to society, and to receive a pittance in return is demeaning.
"The previous government failed spectacularly to deal with the low payments, the fact that individuals caring for more than one person received only one payment, and the fact that the eligibility criteria for the allowance excludes sections of society.
"The new Government has made many noises about delivering for those in need, and the carers in our society certainly fall into that bracket. If carers were to down tools tomorrow, the costs to local government and national government would be substantial. I don't think it is too much to ask that they get a reasonable allowance for the work that they do.
"I have also written to my fellow city representative, Anne Begg, to ask that her committee looks into this matter, as it may be that a review by the committee would assist in focusing the government's mind.
"I very much hope that my request will meet with a positive response. Carers ask for so little, and right now that is exactly what they are receiving."