Carers Trust responds to Government's Coronavirus Act

Last week the UK Government passed into law the Coronavirus Act, giving it additional powers to deal with the Coronavirus emergency.

“Carers Trust supports the Government in its efforts to manage the UK response to Coronavirus. With our network of local carer services, we are working hard to support unpaid carers, in partnership with our colleagues across the voluntary and statutory sectors.

“However, we are highly concerned about what the Coronavirus Act will mean for carers, and the local services that help them. The Act temporarily removes the statutory duties of local authorities to assess and support carers, as well as the people they care for. The consequences could not be more stark: if local authorities choose to do this, many carers will not get the support they so desperately need, and at a time when they need it most. This not only risks putting unpaid carers under even more pressure than they were already facing before the Coronavirus crisis, it risks putting an even greater demand on health, social care and education. 

“Carers Trust also encourages local authorities to consider the needs of young carers, in their work with the local voluntary sector, schools and colleges. This will ensure young carers have access to breaks and respite, as well as support to manage changing situations. Many young carers rely on support at school, including free school meals, to manage their caring role.  

“Adequate funding must be prioritised so that charities providing support to unpaid carers, including Carers Trust Network Partners who provide respite, information, guidance and support, can continue to provide statutory and non-statutory support.”  

Media enquiry?

Contact the Press team