James Cunningham

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COVENTRY CARERS RECEIVE EXTRA CREDIT

COVENTRY South MP Jim Cunningham today welcomed plans to extend the carer’s credit system.

Carers in Coventry who provide care for disabled people for at least 20 hours a week are set to benefit under the reforms.

Under the current scheme, those affected are prevented from building up state pension entitlement through work.

At least a third of people in the United Kingdom are expected to fulfil a caring role at some point in their lives.

Mr Cunningham said at least half of all carers are in full or part time employment and some care for more than one person

The issue was raised by Mr Cunningham with Government Minister Anne McGuire and says extending the carer’s credit will cheer many hard-working Coventry carers.

He said: “The introduction of a new carer’s credit is good news for carers in Coventry who work tremendously hard. The new credit will allow people reaching State Pension age after April 2010 to build up entitlement to both the basic State Pension and the State Second Pension.

“The plan is for those who provide care for at least 20 hours a week and as a result are prevented from building up state pension entitlement through work.”

Mr Cunningham added that the simplest and least intrusive way of establishing eligibility to the carer’s credit is through benefits awarded to people receiving care.

He added the carer’s credit would be available to people providing care for one or more persons awarded the middle or highest rate of Disability Living Allowance care component, Attendance Allowance, or Constant Attendance Allowance for at least 20 hours personal care a week.