Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said: 

“We are delighted to hear that this important review into the Carer’s Allowance overpayments scandal will now be getting underway quickly and we will be a step closer to changing a broken system which has seen more than 134,000 unpaid carers paying off debts and many experiencing emotional distress and hardship as a result. 

“We know many carers who have been impacted are keen to share their story with the chair of the independent review, Liz Sayce OBE, and we look forward to submitting the evidence we have gathered on the issue from over 160 carers affected by overpayments.  

“It is vital that we see clear recommendations and changes implemented quickly so we can prevent as many overpayments as possible from happening in the first place, as well as reducing the size of the debt for unpaid carers, who are often living in very challenging financial circumstances. 

“We hope that the independent review will look carefully at the harsh ‘cliff-edge’ nature of the earnings limit in Carer’s Allowance whereby exceeding the limit by a tiny amount means having to pay back the whole benefit, as well as considering what could be done to reduce the burden on carers who have existing large debts and could have been notified sooner by DWP. We look forward to seeing its conclusions early next summer.   

“While not within the scope of this review, we would like to see further work by the Government to assess the adequacy of Carer’s Allowance and other financial support for unpaid carers to ensure they are properly supported, whatever their circumstances, whilst they provide vital care for others.” 

The full terms of reference have been published here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-review-of-carers-allowance-overpayments-terms-of-reference