Committee publication · Correspondence · 15 April 2026
Correspondence from the Minister for Social Security and Disability, relating to the Government’s response to the Sayce Review into overpayments of Carer’s Allowance linked to earnings
Summary
Minister for Social Security and Disability Stephen Timms confirms the government remains committed to implementing changes from its Sayce Review response regarding Carer's Allowance overpayments linked to earnings. The Department is launching a reassessment exercise imminently for affected cases, has recruited and trained new Decision Makers, and refined communications through user testing with carer organisations.
Key findings
- Reassessment exercise for cases affected by faulty guidance is due to launch imminently
- Department has recruited and trained new Decision Makers since January 2025 to support the exercise
- Communications materials have been refined through user testing working with carer organisations
- Hilda Massey and Fiona Walshe are Senior Responsible Owners for delivery of Sayce Review commitments
- Government committed to taking time to develop processes that 'work as smoothly as possible' and 'secure the right outcomes'
Tone
ProceduralTopics
social-securitydisability-supportcarer-allowancebenefits-overpayment
Key actors
Sir Stephen Timms MP, Debbie Abrahams MP, Hilda Massey, Fiona Walshe, Department for Work and Pensions, Work and Pensions Committee
Notable line
“It has taken some time, but we do want to get this right.”
Key Quotes
“We are determined to put things right for the carers affected.”
“We have been taking the time to develop processes that work as smoothly as possible for them, and that secure the right outcomes.”
“This is a complex benefit, and we will be asking them to make some complicated judgements which are important to get right.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗