There are 120,000 full-time carers in the State. Some 100,000 of these do not qualify for the Carers' Allowance. Of the 20,000 that do, 60 per cent get the maximum £80.50 (rising to £88.50 in April).
The Carers' Association says means-testing the allowance discriminates against non-qualifying carers who do equal work.
The annual Respite Care grant will increase from £300 to £400. Carers seek about £700 a year, in order to allow them to "buy in" respite care of about one week a year. Many carers also spend more on home heating etc, being in the home all day. Carers seek a £50a-month extra costs grant. They also want the abolition of VAT for carers on such necessities as incontinence pads. It is currently 20 per cent.