This paper estimates the value of care and support provided by the family, friends and neighbours who provide unpaid care to someone
who is ill, frail or disabled. The care they provide to help sustain people in their own homes and in their own communities is vital. Without it, society would collapse.
- The economic value of the contribution made by carers in the UK is a remarkable £119 billion per year.
- £119 billion is considerably more than the annual cost of all aspects of the NHS - £98.8 billion – in the year 2009-2010
- This latest figure is 37% higher than the 2007 estimate.
- This is equivalent to - £2.3 billion per week
Written by Dr Lisa Buckner and Professor Sue Yeandle, University of Leeds and Carers UK
