§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent representations he has received on the extension of home responsibilities protection to whole-time foster carers. [37304]
§ Mr. McCartney[holding answer 26 February 2002]: We regularly receive representations on all aspects of state retirement pension entitlement from a variety of organisations and interested individuals.
§ Dr. Jack CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if home responsibilities protection will be given to foster carers. [37186]
§ Mr. McCartney[holding answer 27 February 2002]: Foster carers whose allowance contains a reward element may be liable for national insurance contributions on a self-employed basis. Where there is no liability, they may choose to pay voluntary contributions to assist in qualifying for state retirement pension. Foster carers who receive child benefit for their own children under aged 16 will be eligible for home responsibilities protection. We will keep these arrangements under review as we do with all rules relating to benefits.
§ Dr. Jack CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what pension arrangement foster carers are entitled to; and if he will make a statement on support for those who give up work to care for foster children. [37187]
§ Mr. McCartney[holding answer 27 February 2002]: Foster carers whose allowance contains a reward element may be liable to pay national insurance contributions as a self-employed person. Those who have no liability may choose to pay voluntary contributions to assist them to qualify for basic state retirement pension. Where a foster carer receives child benefit for a child of their own aged under 16, they will be eligible for home responsibilities protection. We will keep these arrangements under review as we do with all rules relating to benefits. Married women of pensionable age will be entitled to a retirement pension of 60 per cent. of their husband's entitlement when he reaches state pension age and makes a claim.