Carers Trust responds to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's conference speech
Responding to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's conference speech, Carers Trust's CEO, Kirsty McHugh, said:
“It is shocking that in such a major speech the Prime Minister failed to even mention any plans to reform a social care system which is buckling under high demand and underinvestment, leaving millions of unpaid carers to pick up the pieces with little or no support. The ongoing failure by successive governments to commit to a long-term workforce plan for both health and social care means this crisis will only continue.
“Young carers’ struggles in education could even increase further under the Prime Minister’s new Advanced British Standard qualification. A young adult carer who is currently studying and eligible for Carer’s Allowance would no longer be able to receive it as part of this change. If the Government is truly committed to reforming the education landscape for everyone, it must also commit to reforming and drastically improving financial support for carers who are trying to balance learning with caring.”
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Mark Chandler, mchandler@carers.org and 07712 427808
About Carers Trust
Carers Trust is the UK charity working to transform the lives of unpaid carers across the UK. It partners with its network of local carer organisations to provide funding and support, deliver innovative and evidence-based programmes and raise awareness & influence policy. Carers Trust’s vision is that unpaid carers are heard and valued, with access to support, advice and resources to enable them to live fulfilled lives.
Carers Trust hosts the Young Carers Alliance, a network of over 180 organisations and 450 individuals committed to improving identification and support for young carers and young adult carers. Carers Trust also hosts the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance, an informal network of young carers services across Scotland. It has 51 members who provide support to young carers.
To find your nearest local carer organisation for advice and support, visit carers.org