I recently heard on the news that carers benefits operate on a cliff edge policy. This deeply personal issue struck a chord with me, as it affects numerous individuals who dedicate their lives to caring for others. The current policy means that those who care for someone for more than 35 hours per week receive benefits, but if they fall short by even an hour, they receive nothing. This is not only unfair but also discourages people from providing essential care services. Also, they are limited in what they can earn whilst claiming this benefit and if they earn a penny over the limit their entire benefit claim is recovered.  Also claimants are not informed when they earn too much resulting in large debts accruing with individuals.  We must get rid of the cliff edge approach and simply require claimants to repay the amount earned over the limit.

According to Carers UK, there are approximately 6.5 million carers in the UK alone (Carers UK, 2019). These individuals save the economy £132 billion per year - close to the cost of a second NHS (Buckner & Yeandle, University of Sheffield/Carers UK). Yet our system fails to provide them with adequate support.

This petition calls for a reform in this policy; we need a fairer system where benefits are proportionate to hours worked rather than an all-or-nothing approach. It's time we value our carers and give them the support they deserve.

Please sign this petition and help us bring about this much-needed change in our society.