Carers UK backs new Independent Living Bill

Carers UK today warmly welcomed the publication of the Independent Living Bill, a Private Members Bill published by Lord Ashley in the House of Lords.

Imelda Redmond, Chief Executive of Carers UK said, "Carers, i.e. family and friends who care for disabled relatives, partners and friends are firmly behind better rights and support for disabled people.  This came out very strongly in a recent consultation with carers.

We all know that if services meet disabled people's needs, the pressure on carers is considerably less.

We particularly welcome the new duties in the Bill which would focus on carers.  For too long, their needs as individuals have been invisible to far too many health and social care practitioners - although things are changing slowly we still hear of prejudice and discrimination against carers every day, day in, day out.  This is a scandal when carers provide the bulk of community care, without which this country would collapse.

Next week we are focussing on carers' health as part of Carers Week - which will highlight some of the health challenges that carers face in caring for someone with a disability.

We congratulate Lord Ashley for bringing forward this Bill with the backing of the Disability Rights Commission and offer our full support.   We would urge Government and Parliamentarians consider the full implications of the Bill for the families of this country and take it forward its principles into law.

The Bill, will have its Second Reading in the House of Lords on 14 July. 

For further information contact: 

Emily Holzhausen, Head of Policy and Public Affairs: 

Tel: 020 7566 7637 or 0794 127 3108

emily.holzhausen@carersuk.org