Give carers a chance to care.

Tyne Bridge Labour MP David Clelland has repeated calls for ministers to shake-up the rules surrounding carers' allowances.

Mr Clelland was one of a number of North East MPs who signed an Early Day Motion calling for changes to the rules which mean carers cannot earn more than pounds 84 per week without losing their pounds 46.94 allowance.

The Tyneside MP accused the State of taking advantage of carers' commitment to people that they love.

He said: "One of my constituents, Debbie is a bright vivacious young woman who is a single mum bringing up seven-year-old Aaron, a lovely little boy with Down's Syndrome.

"She told me she really enjoyed going to work while Aaron is at school but if she earned even a few pence over pounds 84 the allowance was taken off her. How can that be just or fair? Aaron's needs haven't changed just because she earns pounds 84.75 per week.

"Debbie dare not work more hours and dare not take on more responsibility at work.

"The Carers' Allowance is supposed to help people with caring responsibilities but the rules aren't helping this bright, capable young woman from either helping herself or Aaron."

The rules also relate to pensioners who are acting as carers. They lose the care allowance as soon as they qualify for a state pension.

Mr Clelland added: "There is an army of more than six million carers out there, unsung heroes who care for someone who might otherwise be in a home or a hospital bed.

"They save the state around pounds 57bn per year, the size of the entire NHS budget. But the state is effectively taking advantage of their commitment to people that they love.

"The rules need to be reviewed urgently."