• The dashboard will allow viewers to analyse ONS Census data about unpaid carers at a local authority level. It has the potential to inform local and national policy, as well as service commissioning for unpaid carers.

Charity Carers UK has partnered with The Centre for Care at the Universities of Sheffield and Birmingham to launch a new interactive dashboard helping to explore patterns of unpaid care across England and Wales.

There are 5 million people looking after a disabled, older or ill relative or friend in England and Wales, whose support is worth an estimated £162 billion to the economy.

The dashboard, which is launching ahead of Carers Week on 9 June, allows users to view and analyse ONS Census data about unpaid carers and the economic value of care at a local authority level.

Designed as a one-stop shop for data on unpaid carers, it has been developed in consultation with local authorities, carers centres and unpaid carers, who provided feedback during the design stage.

The dashboard can be used to explore patterns of unpaid care, such as gender differences, regional variations and changes over time – helping to identify inequalities and disparities within different regional areas.

It can be used by policy makers, practitioners and members of the public to develop a better understanding of unpaid care locally, with the potential to inform decision-making and commissioning for services to support unpaid carers.

Emily Holzhausen CBE, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Carers UK, said:

"When we're working to try to make life better for unpaid carers, data can be a game changer; understanding our populations better, where resources might need to be targeted especially when in short supply, and how we can make the most difference. 

“We have always tried to help local organisations understand unpaid carers' data better, but this really places so much more control in the hands of local areas to be able to look at issues that matter to them and tailor output.  We've been very pleased to partner on this project. Carers UK is really excited to see how this helps to shape knowledge, practice, and ultimately better outcomes for unpaid carers and the people they support." 

Professor Kate Hamblin, Director of The Centre for Care at the University of Sheffield, said:

"As researchers and advocates for improving the lives of carers, we know how essential it is to have not just more data—but the right data in the hands of the people who need it most. By bringing together rich Census data with powerful interactive tools, this dashboard gives local authorities, service commissioners, carers’ organisations, and carers themselves unprecedented access to detailed information about the realities of unpaid care in their communities. Whether it’s tackling health inequalities, understanding impact on employment, or planning targeted support, this dashboard marks a major step forward in making carers visible in local decision-making - helping to close the gap between evidence and action. It’s a practical tool with the power to drive smarter policy, fairer funding, and better support."

Dr Maria Petrillo, from the Centre for Care and University for Sheffield, said:

“The dashboard provides, for the first time, a clear and accessible way to explore how unpaid care has changed over time across England and Wales. It shows, for example, that the number of unpaid carers providing over 50 hours of care per week has increased from 24 per cent in 2011 to 30 per cent in 2021, and that the total annual value of unpaid care has risen by 29 per cent to £162 billion.

“These figures underscore just how vital unpaid carers are to our society and how much pressure they are under. This tool allows local authorities, charities, and policymakers to quickly identify patterns in care provision, health outcomes, and employment across regions. By putting robust data into the hands of those shaping services and support, the dashboard enables smarter planning, better resource targeting, and more responsive action to meet carers’ needs.”