§ Jackie BallardTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to raise carers' benefits taking into account the increase in the minimum wage; and if he will make a statement. [120391]
§ Mr. BayleyInvalid Care Allowance is an income maintenance benefit which is paid to help protect the carer from the financial effects of being unable to work full-time. It is not intended to be a carer's wage nor a payment for the services of caring. Its rate, therefore, is not linked to, or dependent on, the National Minimum Wage.
214WHowever, we are committed to keeping financial support for carers under review and we are continuing to do this, in the context of follow-up work to the National Carers' Strategy, and our response to the Royal Commission on Long Term Care.