Carers UK's response to the National Strategy for Carers

“A significant step forward for carers, but leaves important questions unanswered”

Carers UK reaction to the Government’s National Strategy for Carers ‘Carers at the heart of 21st Century families and communities’, which was published today.

Commenting on the Strategy, Imelda Redmond, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said: 

“This is an important step forward for carers, backed up with over £255 million of new investment and groundbreaking new initiatives. However, we are disappointed that there is no immediate financial help for the hundreds of thousands of carers who rely on benefits.

We welcome the vision set out by this Strategy as it reflects what carers have told us. Carers should have a life of their own, should not be forced into financial hardship and should be treated with dignity and respect. We told Government what changes carers wanted and will be holding Ministers to account to deliver this vision over the next decade.”

Commenting on specific measures, she added: 

“Carers need back up from care services so we welcome the Government’s pledge to double the money available for carers to take breaks.

We welcome the promise of a full review of carers’ benefits. We are disappointed that the Government has been unable to offer immediate financial help for the hundreds of thousands of carers who rely on benefits and many carers will be frustrated that they will have to wait again for the financial help they desperately need. We will be asking the Government to begin the review immediately.

The good news is that in a number of areas, such as employment, the strategy does take on board our advice and recommendations. The pledge to help carers access work through reforms to Jobcentre Plus will benefit many carers who wish to work, and the 2 million people who cease caring each year. These people will get more support and understanding as they seek to move on with their lives.

The NHS will also be required to look after carers better. With new money for training in carer awareness, joined up working with local government and health checks for carers, we will be expecting better engagement from health professionals.

A lack of information is one of the biggest problems for carers. Accurate local information, combined with a top quality national helpline, could provide the lifeline that carers need.”
 

ENDS

• If you are a carer and would like to have your say about the Strategy, please email us on shortchange@carersuk.org or fill in the online form here.
• Update June 18 2008 : read Carers UK's policy briefing explaining what the Strategy says. more...
  

Journalists who require further information or to request an interview with a spokesperson or a case study, please contact:

Carers UK press office: email kate.groucutt@carersuk.org.

Tracey Thompson or Caroline Beswick email tracey.thompson@trinitypr.co.uk.

Notes to Editors 

1. The measures announced in the Strategy add up to over £255 million. The Strategy can be downloaded from http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_085345
2. A briefing setting out the recommendations in the Strategy and Carers UK's initial reaction to them can be downloaded from http://www.carersuk.org/Policyandpractice/PolicyResources/Policybriefings
   
3. There are 6 million carers in the UK. The value of the unpaid care they provide is  £87 billion each year. 4.4 million carers are of working age and 2.5 million of them combine caring with paid work.
   
4. 460,000 carers receive Carer’s Allowance which is £50.55 for a minimum of 35 hours caring per week. If a carer earns more than £95 per week or studies for more than 21 hours per week they can no longer receive Carer’s Allowance.
   
5. Carers UK is the leading campaigning, policy and information organisation of and for carers. Carers UK makes a difference to carers' lives by: campaigning for a better deal for carers; informing carers of their rights and what help is available; training and advising professionals who work with carers; working across the UK through its membership and networks of branches and affiliates. For more information, visit www.carersuk.org or for advice on your caring situation call CarersLine on T. 0808 808 7777
   
6. Carers UK’s Real Change not Short Change campaign is calling on Government to radically overhaul the benefits system for carers. Carers UK research found that thee-quarters of carers are worse off since becoming a carer and many go without essential items
   
7. ‘Right care, Right deal' is the new national campaign launched to build public awareness and support for the need for brave and innovative solutions for the social care system. With the Government indicating that social care is an urgent political priority, and in advance of the expected green paper later in 2008, the campaign combines three of the UK's largest charities working with and for older people and their families and carers (Carers UK, Counsel and Care and Help the Aged), and will urge the government to renew its vision for the future of social care in England. Further information on the campaign is available at www.rightcare.org.uk.