Councillors in Wicklow call on Simon Harris to end carers’ allowance means test
The Wicklow PeopleWicklow County Council has formally called on Finance Minister Simon Harris to exempt the carer’s allowance from income tax and abolish the means test attached to the payment, following a unanimous vote at its July monthly meeting.
The move came after a suspension of standing orders proposed by Cllr Stephen Stokes, seconded by Cllr Miriam Murphy and supported by Cllr Jason Mulhall.
Introducing the motion, Cllr Stokes said the proposal was grounded in extensive research by Family Carers Ireland and echoed a similar motion passed unanimously by Tipperary County Council.
He noted that the current programme for government includes a commitment to abolish the means test for carer’s allowance during the government’s term, and argued that Wicklow should add its voice to the growing national pressure for reform.
Cllr Stokes highlighted the essential role played by family carers across the county and the country, describing them as individuals who provide round‑the‑clock care to elderly relatives, children with additional needs, and family members living with illness or disability.
Their work, he said, allows thousands of people to remain in their homes and communities while easing strain on hospitals and social care services.
Despite this, many carers face significant financial challenges, with income thresholds and taxation rules often excluding those who are already making major personal and economic sacrifices.
He pointed out that other social supports, including disability allowance, child benefit and the foster care allowance, are already exempt from income tax.
Extending similar treatment to carer’s allowance, he argued, would be a practical and fair recognition of the vital contribution carer’s make every day. Removing the means test would also ensure that families are not penalised for modest income levels that do not reflect the real costs of caring.
Cllr Murphy voiced strong support for the motion, saying carers have long been undervalued despite being the backbone of communities.
She noted that carers keep loved ones out of hospitals and nursing homes, providing care where families want it most, at home. Cllr Murphy said she hoped the council’s action would help give carers the recognition they deserve.
With no objections raised, the cathaoirleach, Cllr Caroline Winstanley, sought agreement to send the council’s letter to the Wicklow TD. Councillors responded with unanimous approval.
The decision places Wicklow County Council among a growing number of local authorities nationwide urging national reform of the carer’s allowance, adding further momentum to calls for a system that better reflects the realities faced by Ireland’s family carers.