Carers

(asked on 24th May 2022) - View Source

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will (a) make and (b) publish a plan to reform support for (i) breaks, (ii) respite and care services, (iii) infection control, (iv) identification, (v) financial help, and (vi) support to manage work and care for unpaid carers.


Answered by
Gillian Keegan Portrait
Gillian Keegan
Secretary of State for Education
This question was answered on 6th June 2022

The white paper ‘People at the Heart of Care’ sets out how we will invest up to £25 million in the services provided to unpaid carers, which could include respite, breaks, peer group and wellbeing support. Local authorities are required to undertake a Carer’s Assessment for any carer who appears to have a need for support. If a carer is assessed as having eligible needs, the local authority has a legal duty to meet these needs on request from the carer.

Since February 2021, free personal protective equipment (PPE) for COVID-19 needs has been provided to unpaid carers who do not live with the person they care for. This is available for unpaid carers until March 2023. The Carer’s Allowance and income-related benefits, such as Universal Credit and Pension Credit, can also provide financial support to carers on low incomes. Legislation to introduce one week of unpaid leave for unpaid carers in work will be brought forward when Parliamentary time allows. In addition, all employees with 26 weeks continuous service have the statutory right to request flexible working which can assist unpaid carers to balance caring and work.

Reticulating Splines