The carer's allowance is a social assistance payment which provides income support to carers on low incomes who look after people who need full time care and attention. At the end of March 2000, there were 14,981 carer's allowances in payment. This represents an increase of more than 60% in the number of carers claiming the allowance since this Government took office. Expenditure on carer's allowance was £36.5 million in 1997 and is projected to be £78.3 million this year, representing an increase of 115% since this Government took office.
As part of the Government's commitment to carers, as set out in An Action Programme for the Millennium, an overall review of the carer's allowance was completed by an interdepartmental committee, chaired by my Department, and was launched by me in October 1998. The submissions and proposals of all organisations representing carers were considered as part of the review process and are comprehensively addressed in the report. In addition, both I and my officials have met with various organisations representing carers on a number of occasions and I am aware of their views, concerns and priorities in relation to carers. The major issues raised by these groups are the removal or easing of the carer's allowance means test and recognition of carers.