New UK government proposals to improve the lives of carers outlined in a Carers Action Plan don’t go far enough. They overlook those providing a “very high level of care”, says Emily Holzhausen, policy director for Carers UK.
Emily Holzhausen, policy director for Carers UK: she says Government measures for carers fail to provide increased funding for breaks
The UK’s Department of Health and Social Care has outlined its proposals in the Carers Action Plan 2018 to 2020: Supporting carers today.
Flexible working times and additional leave
Proposed measures include flexible working times and additional leave to help meet caring responsibilities.
A cross-government working group is looking at the plan.
The UK government has an upcoming green paper on social care. It says this will lay out ‘sustainable solutions’.
Holzhausen said important elements are missing from the new strategy.
Funding needed for breaks
She said: “What the Carers Action Plan doesn’t do is really look at the increased funding that is needed for breaks for people, particularly people who aren’t working and they are caring in very intense caring situations, or providing a very high level of care, or perhaps in poor health themselves.
“That’s very disappointing for carers and is a really important part of what we need to see in the green paper on social care.”
Carers UK also wants to see Carer’s Allowance payments in England match those in Scotland.
At £64.60 per week in England, the benefit is £8.50 lower than in Scotland.
Carers Action Plan a ‘step change’
Caroline Dinenage is minister for care. She said the measures are a “step-change in the way we support carers”. She said it would enable them to “gain employment, learn the skills they need to succeed and feel supported by the communities they live in”.
Dinenage added that society is “missing a trick if we don’t give carers opportunities to use their skills and experience and develop personally”.
Related:
- Carers’ plight on World Autism Day
- Parent carers in line for a better deal
- Carers sick with money worries
Published: 11 June 2018
