§ Mr. Oliver HealdTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will commission research into the levels of take-up of invalid care allowance. [86995]
§ Maria EagleWe have no plans to do so at present. Awards of invalid care allowance are steadily increasing, although subject to seasonal fluctuations. Information about financial and practical help for carers is readily available from a range of sources. We expect that the publicity surrounding the recent changes to ICA (allowing access to older carers, and extending entitlement after the death of the disabled person), will also serve to increase awareness of all the benefits available to carers.