The latest report from Carers UK addressing the impact of the cost of living crisis on unpaid carers:
Unpaid carers are at the sharp end of the cost of living crisis. Many carers have high caring-related costs that they can’t cut back on without affecting the person they care for. The government must immediately step up and provide unpaid carers with the financial support they need to cope this winter.
Our new report, released today, reveals the huge impact that the crisis is having on carers, pushing them into poverty. The proportion of carers unable to afford their utility bills has more than doubled since last year, and 40% of carers in receipt of Carer’s Allowance are in debt as a result of their caring role.
We’re calling on the government to act urgently for unpaid carers. It must raise all benefits, including Carer’s Allowance and the Carer Element of Universal Credit, in line with current levels of inflation as soon as possible. It must also provide a top-up payment to all carers with an entitlement to Carer’s Allowance to support them through winter.