Select Committee to inquire the Government's carers' strategy
The Work and Pensions Committee announced an inquiry to examine the effectiveness of the Department for Work and Pensions' existing approach to carers. Key areas to be covered by the inquiry are:
Information, guidance and advice. Are carers sufficiently aware of their benefit entitlements and the support available to them? Is the Department providing high quality guidance and advice to carers? How is the Department working across Government to avoid unnecessary bureaucracy for carers when seeking guidance, advice and financial support?
Income and Carer's Allowance. What is the impact of caring on carers earning potentials? Do carers receive sufficient support with additional costs as a result of caring? Are benefits and allowances adequate in minimising the financial impact of caring? Do benefits and allowances impact on barriers and incentives to work or carers' ability to engage in education and training, if so how? Do benefits and allowances impact on carers' pension entitlements, if so how?
Employment strategy and training opportunities. Is the Department doing enough to address barriers to employment and training for carers? Is the Department's welfare reform and employment strategy addressing the needs of carers? How is the Department working collaboratively with employers and other Departments to improve carers' job retention or return to work? How is the Department working together with employers and other Departments to improve support in education, training and skills for carers?
Equality, recognition and discrimination. Are there barriers to equality for carers? What are the possible implications for equality legislation in the UK following the current EU legal case on disability discrimination by proxy? Does a carers' profile impact upon their opportunities (e.g. carer of a disabled child, or elderly carer of a partner)?
The Committee seeks written contributions on this issue from interested organisations and individuals.
Closing date
The deadline for written evidence was Wednesday 3 April 2008. Oral evidence sessions will take place in the summer.
Contact details
Further information and contact details are available on the Work and Pensions Committee website available from the link below.
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Select Committee to inquire the Government's carers' strategy 
