CARERS' ALLOWANCE FOR PENSIONERS

That this House notes that there are currently around 2.8 million unpaid carers over the age of 50 in the UK; commends the fantastic contribution that they make to society; further notes that carers often face higher costs of living than the rest of the population due to their having to spend higher amounts on heating and electricity, household costs and specialist equipment; further notes that older carers may also have had less of an opportunity to build up a pension pot due to caring responsibilities; expresses concern that at present pensioners are not entitled to Carers' Allowance; supports the efforts of Age UK and others in campaigning for this to be changed; and calls on the Government to either expand the eligibility criteria for Carers' Allowance so that pensioners are entitled either to receive it or to introduce a new cash benefit for pensioners who are carers.