Responding to the ADASS (Association of Directors of Social services) 2022 Spring survey, Emily Holzhausen, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Carers UK said:  

“That almost three quarters of Social Services Directors have reported rising numbers of breakdown of unpaid carer arrangements is the latest alarming evidence that family members are on their knees and struggling to cope without outside support.

“The perpetual lack of care staff and rising costs of care mean family members are left with no choice but to pick up more care. Unpaid carers are now providing more care than at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic and this is impacting their health and wellbeing. Amidst the growing cost of living crisis, this is also affecting their ability to work and pay their rising bills. The situation is simply unsustainable.

“If Government brought forward a Recovery and Respite plan immediately it would bring unpaid carers of all ages the help they so urgently need, support families and relationships, sustain our health and care system and above all, make families providing care feel valued and supported. We want to see an immediate investment of £1.5 billion in breaks for carers to help them cope.”