Carer’s Allowance

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Conference
2013 National Retired Members Conference
Date
17 June 2013
Decision
Carried

Conference believes that as many older people as possible who need care and support should, where practicable, be able to remain in their own homes.

Conference believes that both the current and proposed means tested Carer’s Allowance is inadequate and results in many people choosing not to be carers to family or friends because they cannot afford to do so. This means that many people have to choose institutional care rather than care within their own home.

Conference further believes that the cost of an increased Carer’s Allowance would be offset by a reduction of cost incurred in providing state funded care.

Conference notes that the proposals for Care of Older People to be introduced from 2014/15 will not greatly change the existing situation whereby many older people have to sell their homes to pay for their care.

Conference instructs the National Retired Members Committee and calls upon the National Executive Council to campaign for a Carer’s Allowance which is not means tested, available for up to 20 hours a week and is at least equivalent to the National Minimum Wage.