After promises by the new Government to deliver a solution for the social care crisis, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak did not mention social care in the Government's first Budget today.

Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said:

"We are dismayed that social care did not get even a mention in today’s Budget, after the Government’s promise to deliver a solution.

“As it is, families are under huge strain, with 600 people giving up work every day to care and many unpaid carers seeing their health and finances suffer. In the coming weeks, they will be taking extra precautions – stepping up beyond what they already do - to look after relatives and friends with underlying health conditions as the country deals with Coronavirus.

“In the short term, it is imperative that unpaid carers receive the support they need through the Government’s £500m hardship fund for local authorities to support vulnerable people. We are pleased the emergency response fund for public services to deal with Coronavirus includes helping local authorities who need social care support.

“The Chancellor said the Government is getting things done – not social care. Unpaid carers have been holding the system together for too long and they simply cannot afford to keep waiting for this promised plan.

“Until there is long-term investment in the system, and a proper plan, life will only become more difficult for the UK’s families.”