Carers UK has joined up with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) and 90 other charities to call on party leaders to guarantee essentials for low-income households amid rising hardship.

Research by JRF and the Trussell Trust shows how the shortfall between the basic rate of Universal Credit and the cost of essentials, such as food, bills and vital household items, is a key driver behind increasing levels of hardship.

Carers UK is backing calls for the basic rate of Universal Credit to be increased. Leading the Carer Poverty Coalition, it is also urging the Government to recognise the unique financial challenges for unpaid carers and increase and reform Carer’s Allowance and related benefits.

Emily Holzhausen OBE, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Carers UK, said:

“We hear from many unpaid carers providing round the clock care for relatives who are older, disabled or seriously ill who are constantly stressed and worried about making ends meet. A quarter of carers (25%) told us late last year that they are cutting back on essentials such as food or heating - nearly twice as many compared to 13% in 2021. Those receiving Carer’s Allowance, which is just £76.75 a week, were even more likely to be cutting back on food and heating (35%).

“Unpaid carers contribute so much to our society, but they have been left without targeted financial support when they desperately need it - which is unacceptable. The Carer Poverty Coalition, a collection of over 100 organisations led by Carers UK, wants to see Carer’s Allowance increased and reformed so that it better helps unpaid carers, recognising and valuing their support as well as preventing financial hardship. For lower-income carers receiving Universal Credit, it is vital that Government increases the basic rate so that they can at least cover the cost of essentials.”