As you know I met with my local MP on Friday Bob Neill. He had read my petition and updates which was pleasantly surprising and was very open to hearing our side of the situation.
He has asked me to provide him with a few more stats before he can discuss this with parliament but i'm pleased we at least got someone to listen.
I raised a few issues which cropped up many times, including but not limited to;
1) CA stopping once the carer hits pensionable age despite the caring not stopping.
2) The process and how it discriminates against single parents/carers with multiple dependants.
3) The earning threshold and if you go over by 1p you lose a months CA.
4) The amount of CA per week vs minimum wage.
5) The language used towards carers and the clear lack of knowledge or understanding from the powers that be i.e.
· “The principal purpose of Carer's Allowance is to provide a measure of financial support and recognition for people who give up the opportunity of full-time work to provide regular care for a severely disabled person.”
I didn’t choose to give up the opportunity to work full-time I lost the ability to work full-time it wasn’t/isn’t a choice.
I will get the relevant information over to Mr Neill early this week in preparation for Parliament meeting on November 7th.