THE Carers Trust’s Chief Executive Officer, Kirsty McHugh, responding to the Chancellor’s Spring Statement and what it means for unpaid family carers across the UK, said:

“Carers Trust research last month showed that unpaid carers are at the sharp end of the cost of living crisis. However, the Chancellor has again missed the opportunity to support unpaid carers, without whom our health and social care system would simply collapse. This is in sharp contrast to the Welsh and Scottish Governments who have recognised the importance of unpaid carers with the announcement of extra financial support.

“Overall, unpaid carers will be bitterly disappointed by today’s Spring Statement. There was little announced that shows the Government understands their plight. Many were missing bill payments, cutting back on food and borrowing money before the recent cost of living crisis. Even the minority of unpaid carers who are eligible for Carer’s Allowance face a real terms decrease in what they receive, as the allowance is due to increase by only £2.10 a week from April to £69.70. This nowhere near enough to keep up with inflation.

“In addition, we are worried that there was little in the announcement which will help local carer organisations, without whom many unpaid carers would not be able to cope day to day. Many are coping with spiralling fuel bills and difficulties with recruitment.  We must ensure that the extra funding raised by the forthcoming Health and Social Care Levy helps a transformation in the local social care landscape.”