§ Mr. SteinbergTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what types of carers will be helped by the proposed introduction of a carers premium;
(2) what types of carers have been helped by the introduction of the carers premium; and how many have been helped.
§ Miss WiddecombeThe carer premium was introduced from 1 October this year for people claiming income support, housing benefit and community charge benefit who are getting invalid care allowance. It also goes to people who have claimed that allowance since October but could not be paid because they had another, more valuable, benefit. We estimate that 30,000 people will be helped in this way. We have recently announced that from October next year, the premium will continue for up to eight weeks after the caring role ceases. Regulations will be brought before the House in due course.