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| Carers deserve more support, says
MP |
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“Given that by 2015 there is likely to be a 25 per cent rise in the number of carers supported by the Department, it is clear that there is still much to do. The Department should address these outstanding areas of concern without delay and ensure all carers get the support to which they are entitled.” Mr Bacon, a member of the Commons public accounts committee, was speaking as the National Audit Office published its report into the support given to carers by the Department for Work and Pensions. The report finds that the delivery of carer’s benefits is largely successful and that a majority of those who receive support from the Department are positive about their experiences. However, the number of carers is growing and the Department estimates that the number of carers it supports will grow by about a quarter by 2014-15. One fifth of Carer’s Allowance applicants have difficulty in understanding application forms, are unhappy about the length of time it takes to process their claims for Carer’s Allowance claim and ten per cent of those who reported a change of circumstances to the Department’s Carer’s Allowance Unit experienced problems and were left uncertain of their financial position. Additionally, the Department does not know the take-up rate of Carer’s Allowance and not all eligible carers apply for the support they are entitled to. This can be because they are not aware of the Allowance, they do not think they are eligible, they do not think of themselves as carers or they choose not to apply because of the possible effect on the benefits of the person that they care for. |
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| © Richard Bacon 2010 | ||||||
NAO REPORT: