Skip the primary navigation if you do not want to read it as the next section.
Skip the main content if you do not want to read it as the next section.
What's this about?
There was a UK General Election in May 2010. We wanted to make sure that from day one in office, the new Prime Minister made carers a priority
What's happened since the last election?
There have been some important legislative changes over the last four years, including-
- In England a new National Strategy for Carers that allocated money for carers breaks and set up a national carers helpline
- an Equalities Bill that will outlaw discrimination against carers.
- new rights for carers to request Flexible Working in their paid employment.
However, despite government promises there has been a total failure to address the problem of carers' benefits. Lack of investment in the social care system means support services are rationed and many carers are feeling extra pressure as a result.
What does Carers UK think needs to happen?
We need short term solutions to fix the problems faced by families right now - an immediate increase to carer benefits would be a start - but we also need large scale reform of our care system to ensure that our society and our economy is ready to face a tough future with increasing numbers of people requiring care.
Carers UK is calling for a new deal between carers and the people who can make a difference to their lives - national government, local councils, employers, the NHS. People who choose to care for friends and family should not be penalised for that choice. They need:
- clarity about their entitlements to support
- a tax and benefits system that recognises their caring contribution
- a system that promotes their human rights and protects them from discrimination.