§ 36. Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received from the National Council for the Single Woman and her Dependants about invalid care allowance; and what has been his response to them.
§ Mr. OrmeThe National Council has recently urged that those who give up employment to care for seriously disabled relatives should have their right to return to that employment protected by statute. In our view, the incidence and duration of illness within families is so unpredictable that such statutory provision would be inappropriate.
The council also considers that invalid care allowance (ICA) should continue to be paid for four weeks after the death of the person cared for. Our view is that the purpose of the credited national insurance contributions given to those receiving ICA is to enable carers to qualify for sickness or unemployment benefit when caring ceases. Therefore, the continued payment of ICA in these circumstances would not be appropriate.
The council has also suggested that ICA should be payable at the same rate as unemployment benefit. We have explained that, as a non-contributory benefit, ICA is one of a number of benefits payable at a rate representing 60 per cent. of the long-term contributory benefit. An increase in the ICA rate could not therefore be considered in isolation: the overall cost must also be considered.
In recent weeks, the National Council has renewed its claim for parity with unemployment benefit for ICA beneficiaries. In support of its case, it has submitted a summary of the findings of research commissioned by it into the financial position of its members. When we have completed our examination of the summary, we will reply to the claim and I will send a copy to the hon. Member.