Closed petition Private Carers of Family & Friends

Closed on 30 March 2015

With 6.5 million carers in The UK, saving The Government an estimated £1.6 billion, why do we only receive the same as those on Job Seekers Allowance, who do no work whilst claiming? We perform a thankless task, often with no breaks from our 24 hr, 7 day a week duties, with only the generosity of local charities contributing towards a respite break (max £250 in a 12 month period). I'd like The Government to increase the allowance to reflect the hrs worked (minimum pay would be ideal over 35 hrs) & create a "pot" which carers could use to take a holiday. Pensioners receive a winter fuel allowance, (regardless of wealth), so why not introduce a Carers Respite Break Allowance every year?