Political opinion with John Milne MP: Carers and people with disabilities deserve better

There are roughly 73,000 carers in West Sussex and 4,000 registered in Horsham alone. Some of them are able to claim the Carer’s Allowance, which is much cheaper for the state than letting responsibility fall entirely on local social services. However, if a carer accidentally goes over their earnings limit, the system demands 100% repayment of the entire allowance. A one-pound overshoot means total removal of benefits.

Life can be messy, and if you have erratic part-time pay, it’s easy to get caught out. Innocent mistakes have left thousands of the most vulnerable people trapped in spiralling debt. Some have had their allowance stopped altogether.

The Liberal Democrats have long fought for a fairer deal for carers. But Chancellor Rachel Reeves is pressing ahead with plans to cut PIP by tightening the eligibility criteria and reducing support. Perhaps 150,000 carers will lose their allowances under these proposals. Disability rights groups in Horsham and across the country have warned this will push disabled people further into poverty, restricting their access to essential care and worsening mental health struggles.

As a member of the Public Bill Committee scrutinising the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill, I tabled an amendment to stop debt recovery powers from being applied to carers until a review has been properly implemented. However, the government refused to accept it.

The government should halt Carer’s Allowance overpayment demands immediately until a proper review is completed. Labour must provide long-term sustainable support for carers and people with disabilities by reforming our health and social care system, not by cutting vital support. Yes, the national benefits bill needs to be kept under control, but by positive methods to reduce need, not by arbitrary cuts.