Carer Poverty Coalition/Support for Unpaid Carers

Carers deserve more support. The millions of people who dedicate their time and energy to caring for loved ones, often without recognition, are the backbone of our social care system. They were taken for granted by the last Conservative government. My Liberal Democrat parliamentary colleagues and I are committed to securing an improved deal and to ensure carers have the financial resources, training, support, and rights they deserve. We would guarantee that carers receive the respite and access to services they need so that they can fill their own needs and take care of themselves while continuing to care for their loved ones.  

In addition to backing the vital work of Carers UK and the Carer’s Poverty Coalition, we have a clear agenda for improving the lives of unpaid carers. We would: 

• Increase Carer’s Allowance and expand eligibility, ensuring carers receive fair financial support for the incredible work they do. 
• Introduce statutory respite breaks, guaranteeing regular breaks for carers to recharge and maintain their well-being. 
• Introduce paid carer’s leave, building on the unpaid leave entitlement we secured previously. 
• Make caring a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010, ensuring employers make reasonable adjustments to support employees with caring responsibilities. 
• Introduce a Young Carers Pupil Premium as part of an ‘Education Guarantee’ to support young carers in their education and personal development. 

I was particularly proud when my Liberal Democrat colleague, Wendy Chamberlain MP, introduced the Carers Leave Bill 2023, which was passed into law and will provide carers with statutory leave. This achievement marks a crucial step forward, but I am committed to doing more. 

Though we’ve successfully pressured the Government to secure a £45 per week increase in the earnings limit for Carer’s Allowance, this is only the beginning.