Many of my constituents have contacted me about support for carers.
I recognise the valuable contribution made by carers of call kinds, on the Island - residential, domiciliary, paid, unpaid - many of whom spend a significant proportion of their life providing support to family members, friends and neighbours. I totally agree that carers must receive the right support to help them carry out their caring roles. Overall, a tenth of adults in the UK provide unpaid care for a friend or family member, and these people should be supported in the invaluable work they do.
That is why a cross-Government National Carers Strategy was introduced to look at what more can be done to support existing and future carers. After a lengthy consultation with carers themselves, the Government announced a two-year programme of support. This includes support for young carers, effective action to help carers balancing their caring and employment responsibilities, and ensuring that health and social care services are responsive to their needs.
The Government is continuing to support the implementation of improved rights for carers, enshrined in the Care Act 2014. I welcome the fact that benefits to support vulnerable and disabled people, including Carer’s Allowance, are exempt from the freeze on working-age benefits.
I am glad to also note that the Department of Health and Social Care will continue to lead a programme of targeted work to support carers, including young and unpaid.
