Policy briefings
Carers UK's policy briefings include our position on key issues such as benefits and breaks for carers as well as action that can be taken to bring about change.
National Audit Office report on DWP support for carers
The NAO has carried out a report on how effectively DWP supports carers through the benefits system and Jobcentre Plus, and made recommendations for improvements.
Facts about Carers 2009
A key digest of all the key facts and figures about carers drawn from various surveys and research looking at who carers are across the UK, employment, health, age, tasks, finances and poverty, and rights. It is our most popular and widely used briefing. Updated 2009.
Carers UK response to National Dementia Strategy (February 2009)
On 3rd February the Government published Living well with dementia, a new National Dementia Strategy. The Strategy sets out a plan for action that should benefit the half a million carers looking after someone with dementia, however Carers UK believes it needs to be combined with good implementation of the National Carers Strategy if it is to really benefit carers.
PCT breaks funding from National Carers Strategy (January 2009)
In the National Carers Strategy in June 2008, the Government announced £150 million in funding for breaks, to be delivered through local PCTs. This briefing sets out how the funding will work, what sort of breaks Carers UK would like to see provided, and calculations of breaks funding per PCT. (The feedback questionnaire at the end of the briefing can be completed online at www.carersuk.org/Policyandpractice/Goodpractice)
NHS Next Stage Review final report - Lord Darzi’s Review of the NHS (August 2008)
In July 2007 Secretary of State for Health Alan Johnson MP announced a review of the NHS, to be led by Health Minister Lord Darzi. His final report has now been published outlining his vision and recommendations for next steps for the NHS. A draft constitution for the NHS has also been published for consultation alongside this report. This briefing summarises the report and looks at the implications for carers.
Carer's Allowance Statistics (August 2008)
The Government has published the latest figures for the number of people claiming Carer’s Allowance.
End of Life strategy briefing (July 2008)
A briefing looking at the carer aspects of Promoting high quality care for all adults at the end of life - the Government's End of Life Strategy
The National Strategy for Carers (June 2008)
The long-awaited National Strategy for Carers was published on 10th June 2008, signed by seven Government departments. In total the Strategy commits £255 million to create additional support for carers. It also sets out medium and long-term plans aimed at transforming the way that society treats carers. This briefing sets out the recommendations in the Strategy and Carers UK’s initial reaction to them.
Support for Black Asian and Minority Ethic carers: A Good Practice Briefing July 2007
What London's BAME carers tell us is needed to make support for them effective and accessible.
How Local Area Agreements can make a difference to Carers May 2007
‘Strong and Prosperous Communities’- the Local Government White Paper was published in October 2006 and marked the next stage of public sector reform. This included the development of a new performance framework, at the heart of which Local Area Agreements will be placed, and a reformed relationship between central and local government. Carers UK believes LAAs are critical planning mechanisms and present a real opportunity for carers to be considered in local planning.
Carers and the Equality and Diversity Agenda May 2007
How do carers fit in with the launch of the Commission for Equalities and Human Rights (CEHR)?
New money for disabled children and their families May 2007
In May the Government announced a new package of support for disabled children and their families. Find out how Carers UK responded to this news.
National Carers Strategy February 2007
A briefing on carers' priorities for the revised National Strategy for Carers, which was announced in February as part of the New Deal for Carers. This report contains results of a survey of 3000 carers which shows that recognition from professionals is carers' top priority, followed by income from benefits. Find out why a revised National Strategy is needed and what Carers UK believes it should look like.
Carers health
This briefing from 2005 looks examines research into carers' health and summarises the main issues.
Carers' Manifesto - the full report
Election 2005 - Carers UK Manifesto - A more detailed look at Carers UK's five key messages to the future government
Carers' Agenda for Change 2005
Outlining the 5 key messages that carers want the government to hear.
Carers' Manifesto - the summary report
Election 2005 - Carers UK Manifesto - A summary of Carers UK's five key messages to the future government
Carers Grant year 7 - 2005/6
Policy briefing on the conditions attached to the 2005/6 Carers' Grant for local authorities in England.
The NHS and responsibilities under the Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act
The Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004 places the majority of duties on social services, but there are important links and duties on the NHS that are explained in this briefing.
Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004
The Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act will give carers in England and Wales new rights to information and better support to access lifelong learning and employment opportunities.
Carers and Employment
A short digest of key statistics about carers in work and those who have given up work to care. June 2004.
Carers' Assessments and Employment
This draws together existing guidance on carers’ legislation currently in force which relate to carers and employment. It highlights key references to government guidance. For example, carers who are at risk of losing they job should be a top priority for government. Nov. 2002.
Carers and Disabled Children Act guidance
This summarises the main points in government guidance which relate to the Act – the legislation which gives local authorities the powers to provide services directly to carers. April 2001.
Charging for non-residential care
A summary of the key main points of government guidance on charging for non-residential community care services and how they affect carers. It draws out, for example, what carers can and cannot be charged for by local authorities. Jan. 2002.
Fair Access to Care
Draws out the main points in this government guidance that are most important to carers. The guidance sets out a list of banded risk criteria and social services are expected to use these to judge who is a priority for services. Feb. 2003.
Free intermediate care
Summarises the main points contained in government guidance relating to the Community care (Delayed Discharges etc.) Act 2003 and suggests ideas for how to implement the policy for carers. June 2003.
Vouchers
The Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000 permits local authorities to provide carers with vouchers to secure breaks. This briefing summaries the main points in government guidance and suggests possible action to support carers. June 2003.
Black and minority ethnic carers
Outlines the main challenges faced by black and minority ethnic carers and sets out a few statistics. 1998.
Lesbian and Gay Carers
This briefing summarises key statistics and policy issues for this disadvantaged group. It also includes a list of good pratice being carried out by local and national organizations and contacts. Oct. 2003.
Rural carers
As well as including important statistics, this document lists the main additional challenges faced by carers in rural areas and looks at good practice aiming to tackle these problems. July 2003.
Young carers
Contains statistics and findings from key research about young carers with full references for further information. 2004.
Page Last Modified: 11/05/2009
print this page
