Martin Lewis says 'bravo' as DWP makes 'good and important' rule change

The DWP is launching a review of the Carer's Allowance scandal which has seen people on benefits ordered to repay as much as £20000.

Martin Lewis has issued a "bravo" to the Department for Work and Pensions over a rule change. The DWP is launching a review of the Carer's Allowance scandal which has seen people on benefits ordered to repay as much as £20000.

Mr Lewis said: "Bravo @leicesterliz. This is good & important. Carers penalised by losing all their £80 allowance for going just a penny over the earnings threshold, has led to a broken system so some are asked to repay £1,000s for earning just a few quid over.

"Yet pls go beyond just looking at the claw back. We must change the carers allowance cliff edge, where you lose all of it, and turn it into a taper, which is how almost all other benefits work. (Nb This is something I wrote in my open letter to the Chancellor for the budget)."

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In response, a Twitter/X user said: "Family carers are saving the government billions. I believe anyone providing care that otherwise would require government funding should get the allowance regardless of their income" A second said: "Its a ridiculous system altogether - if someone is working 35 hours a week or more as a carer they deserve paying for that work - regardless of if they manage to earn even £100k a year doing something else in what time they have around caring. Its still cheaper for the state!"

Another typed: "While I agree with your point Martin, and I understand the economic situation, carers allowance is around £2/hr. For most it's nearer to £1/hr. It's a scandal & it forces poverty on people who save the NHS & social care £billions."

"It's infuriating that certain MPs are milking expenses.. yet as a carer , we are saving the government money. Mum worked all her life , they want money. if she had spent it and been on the dole while being fit in her younger years . She gets the same , system is wrong," another wrote.

Another said: "This is not that great news because an enquiry into this well documented and argued problem is NOT needed. Action is well overdue but this will now be much delayed. Sorry but this is headline grabbing and more money wasted to make someone richer."