Responding to the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (LUHC) Select Committee report published today, 04.08.22, which states that adult social care needs an immediate funding injection to meet current pressures, Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK said:

“We strongly welcome this important report and its recognition of the vital role played by unpaid carers in supporting the current social care system.

“It lays bare the urgency of the need for action to address immediate and long-term pressures on adult social care.

“Unpaid carers are now providing more care than at the height of the pandemic and many thousands have not had a break in over two years as they prop up a crumbling system. As the report states, this is taking a high toll on their health, wellbeing, and finances. Many are having to leave their jobs to care, and the situation is simply unsustainable. We want to see an immediate investment of £1.5 billion from Government to ensure that all unpaid carers have access to the breaks they desperately need, as well as support to stay in work.

“We also support the call for Government to review carers’ assessments to ensure all carers get the help they need. At present, only 1 in 4 receive assessments, and even those who do say that they often do not meet their needs.

“The next Prime Minister must make social care a priority from day one. We want the Government to implement a ‘Respite and Recovery’ plan for carers, including breaks, desperately needed respite and care services, the identification of carers, financial help to deal with the unprecedented cost of living crisis, and support to juggle work and care, helping to make families feel valued and supported.”