Lib Dems urge Budget support for carers

The Lib Dem candidate for West of England mayor is calling on the Government to “give carers a break”, by giving councils immediate emergency funding so they can provide the support services unpaid carers need to take a weekly break.

Stephen Williams, inset, said more than 85,000 people in the West of England were looking after elderly, disabled or vulnerable people during the pandemic.

In a letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey highlighted research from Carers UK showing that nationally:

64% of carers have not been able to take any breaks from their caring role during the pandemic

74% feel exhausted and worn out as a result of caring during Covid

44% say they are reaching breaking point. The Lib Dems are calling on the Chancellor to provide local authorities with emergency funding in his Budget tomorrow. Launching the campaign, Sir Ed said: “Our wonderful carers deserve more support, but they are too often forgotten and ignored by people in power.

“The Chancellor mustn’t ignore carers any longer. He must provide local councils with emergency funding now, to finally give carers a break.”

Mr Williams said: “People in the West of England looking after their loved ones are doing a remarkable and important job in very difficult circumstances.

“The West’s unpaid carers have taken on dramatically increased caring responsibilities during this pandemic. Most haven’t been able to take a single break since the pandemic started. Most are simply exhausted. Liberal Democrats are standing up for carers and calling on the Government to give them a break.”