Don't let the Care Act's 'powerful message' be watered down

“Today is a significant day for England’s 5.5 million carers of all ages. By giving them the same rights as the people they care for, the Children and Families Act and Care Act send a clear message: carers play a crucial and often very testing role in supporting their friends and family and this needs to be reflected in the help they receive from their local council. Most importantly, the acts make a commitment to ensuring that carers are identified and the necessary support structures are in place to protect and promote their mental and physical wellbeing.

“However, Carers Trust is concerned that this powerful message could yet be watered-down in the final implementation of the acts. Spending on social care has fallen by over £1 billion since 2010. By introducing new requirements on councils to protect the wellbeing of carers, the government is asking local councils to do more with less and less. We need politicians to show their support for carers in deed as much as in word. That’s why Carers Trust is calling on all parties to commit to increase investment in social care in the new parliament to ensure councils are able to provide the assistance to carers the new acts demand and that carers receive the quality support they need and deserve.”