Helping Carers Care

They do fantastic work, and in my own constituency, I have seen hundreds of carers of all ethnicities work tirelessly in support of those they care for, often without pay or recognition and often to the detriment of their own health and well-being.
That one in eight people in the United Kingdom are willing to selflessly prioritise the needs of our loved ones is truly inspirational.
But too often as a society we seem to punish rather than honour and celebrate the sacrifices carers make.
If you have ever come into contact with a carer you will understand why these men and women deserve to be singled out for extra support at a time of ongoing restraint. Their contribution is extraordinary.
Studies show that 61% of carers have faced depression because of their caring role and 49% are struggling financially. Considered in the context that 45% have had to give up work to care, maybe neither of these financial or emotional pressures should surprise us.
Yet carers save the state an estimated £119 billion a year – that’s more than the entire annual budget for the NHS. England’s half a million Black Asian or Minority Ethnic (BAME) carers save the state almost £10 billion a year alone.
That is why the Liberal Democrat manifesto in 2015 will include a promise to introduce a new annual “carer’s bonus”, worth £250.
Under the plans, the bonus would enable carers to take short breaks and provide carers with some much needed respite.
Additionally, to help carers financially, the Liberal Democrats want to make it easier for carers to stay in work, encouraging employers to be more flexible, and we will make sure that carers who have left work get much more support to help them get back into the job market when they are able.
We are also going to raise the amount you can earn before losing carers allowance to £150 to make sure work pays for carers. We will introduce a “carers’ passport” to give carers more information and more support through the NHS, including access to free hospital parking, and we will give every carer who cares for more than 35 hours a week a carers bonus worth £250.
We know BAME carers in England already save the state almost £10 billion a year and, in providing care to their families, are pioneers in their own right of creating a fairer society. That’s why Liberal Democrats in government will work tirelessly to ensure that carers are recognised, valued and supported by the state as well the loved ones they care for.
(Paul Burstow MP was Care Service Minister from 2010-12 and was responsible for drawing up the draft Care and Support Bill. He has been the MP for Sutton & Cheam since 1997.)