Carers credit is 'a step forward'

Wednesday, February 24th 2010

Carers in Britain will see credit to their state pensions as of the new financial year in April.

But more needs to be done to address this group when the next government is voted into power.

This is the view of policy and public affairs officer at Carers UK Steven McIntosh, who explained that carer's credit is a step in the right direction.

Currently, carers are often forced to five up work - either partially or altogether - and this can reduce their retirement income as well as their wages because National Insurance contributions drop.

"So it's really important they get a better deal from the next government and that will mean a range of things," Mr McIntosh stated.

The Department for Work and Pensions said on Monday (February 22nd) that the 4.7 million British carers will be able to apply for help via the credit system.

Applicable to those who look after somebody for more than 20 hours each week, the state pension will rise as a result of scheme.