Understand
Mid Sussex MP Alison Bennett calls on the government to provide greater support for the UK's unpaid carers
Overview
During a Westminster Hall debate, Mid Sussex MP and Liberal Democrat care spokesperson Alison Bennett urged the government to deliver better support for the UK's estimated 5.8 million unpaid carers. Highlighting findings from Carers UK, Bennett noted that over a million carers live in poverty and face severe stress. While acknowledging recent government initiatives such as the Carers Action Plan, she stressed that practical improvements are urgently needed. Health and Social Care Minister James Frith responded that the government is taking action to ensure proper support and reduce burdens, though opposition figures argued that more detailed proposals are still required.
Key points
- Mid Sussex MP Alison Bennett led a Westminster Hall debate calling for increased support for the UK's estimated 5.8 million unpaid carers.
- Bennett cited research from Carers UK estimating that 1.2 million unpaid carers live in poverty, including 400,000 in deep poverty.
- A survey by Carers UK found that 74% of responding carers experienced stress or anxiety, and nearly half cut back on essentials.
- Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Health and Social Care James Frith stated that the government is working to make carers more visible, improve services, and provide necessary respite.
- Shadow Health Minister Dr Neil Shastri Hurst argued that more specific details regarding government proposals are still needed.