HC Deb 02 April 2001 vol 366 cc87-8W
35. Mr. Goggins

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what action he is taking to increase support for older carers. [154894]

Mr. Bayley

We have substantially increased the carer premium in Income Support to £24.40 from 1 April. This will benefit some 36,000 low income carers aged 60 years or over.

We also propose to extend eligibility to apply for Invalid Care Allowance (ICA) to carers aged 65 or over as soon as a legislative opportunity permits. This will enable some older carers with limited entitlement to retirement pension to receive ICA, either at the full rate or as a top-up. In addition, many pensioner carers will be able to receive carer premium paid on top of the Minimum Income Guarantee for the first time.