If you care for someone in Richmond, the government wants to hear from you about Carer’s Allowance Richmond reforms that could change how the benefit works. A six-week consultation launched this week asks for views on modernising earnings limits and improving support for carers whose income varies from week to week, a situation familiar to many local residents balancing care with part-time work or self-employment.
The call for evidence focuses on two key areas: reducing the impact of the current earnings cliff edge and making the system more predictable for carers with fluctuating incomes.
What the consultation covers
The current system creates a cliff edge problem.
Carers can earn up to a set limit while receiving Carer’s Allowance, but earning even £1 over that threshold in a single week means losing the entire benefit for that period. The government is now seeking views on how to modernise this rule, particularly for carers who work variable hours or run their own businesses. The consultation also asks how to make the system more predictable, so carers can plan their finances without fear of unexpected benefit losses when work patterns change.
For Richmond residents juggling care responsibilities with flexible work, this could mean the difference between sustainable income and financial uncertainty.
Who this affects locally
Thousands of Richmond carers could be affected.
The borough has a significant population of residents providing unpaid care to family members, friends or neighbours, many of whom rely on Carer’s Allowance to help with the costs. Local carers include those looking after elderly relatives, adults with disabilities, and people with long-term health conditions. Some work part-time around their caring responsibilities, others have given up work entirely, and a growing number are trying to maintain self-employment while providing care. The current earnings rules can make that balancing act particularly difficult for those whose income varies week by week.
If you know someone who cares for a relative or friend, they may not realise this consultation could directly affect their finances.
What this means for you
If you receive Carer’s Allowance or care for someone without claiming it, you can respond to the consultation directly through the government website before it closes in mid-August. Your experiences of managing care alongside work, particularly if you have variable earnings, are exactly what policymakers need to hear. Local carers’ organisations, including Richmond Carers Centre on Parkshot, can help you understand the questions and frame your response if you would like support. Even if you do not claim the benefit yourself, sharing the consultation with carers you know ensures Richmond voices are heard in decisions that will shape support for years ahead.
The consultation runs for six weeks and represents a genuine opportunity to influence how Carer’s Allowance works in practice. Richmond carers who take the time to respond now may help shape a system that better fits the reality of balancing care with earning.
The consultation closes in mid-August, which means responding before the summer holidays end gives you the best chance to influence proposals that could affect your finances for years to come.
Frequently asked questions
Who can respond to the consultation?
- Anyone can respond, but the government particularly wants to hear from current and former carers, people who receive Carer’s Allowance, and organisations that support carers. You do not need to be an expert; your personal experience of how the current system works or does not work is valuable evidence.
What is the current earnings limit for Carer's Allowance?
- As of 2026, you can earn up to £151 per week after tax and National Insurance while receiving Carer’s Allowance. If you earn more than that in any single week, you lose the entire benefit for that week, even if your average earnings over a month would be below the limit.
Does responding to the consultation guarantee changes will happen?
- No, this is a call for evidence, not a promise of specific reforms. The government is gathering views to understand how the current system affects carers before deciding what changes, if any, to make. Your response helps build the evidence base that will inform any future policy decisions.
Where can I get help completing the consultation if I find it difficult?
- Richmond Carers Centre on Parkshot offers support to local carers and can help you understand the consultation questions. Citizens Advice Richmond also provides advice on benefits and can assist with written responses if you need support putting your experiences into words.
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