§ Lord Tebbitasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will make the cost of employing carers an allowable business expenses for those having care of a disabled family member and who would not be able to go to work without providing adequate care for that person. [HL4740]
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyThe Government have no plans to introduce a special tax relief for people who employ carers. However, we recently announced a package of measures worth more than £500 million over three years, which will improve financial support for carers. The package includes a proposal to increase the earnings limit for Invalid Care Allowance from its present level of £50 per week, after allowable expenses, to a figure equal to the Lower Earnings Limit, which is currently £67. This will allow carers who are able to combine work with their caring responsibilities to keep more of their earnings.