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Personal carers 'deserve more', say MPs

29/08/2008

People who care for their friends and relatives should receive support from the government, an influential group of MPs has said.

Plans are being formulated to introduce two tiers of help, with income replacement support for those unable to work, or working only part time, and additional cost compensation for those in intensive caring roles.

"Caring matters deeply to individuals, families and society in general," said Terry Rooney, chair of the committee for work and pensions, which drew up the report.

"Sustaining the ability of carers to provide the care and support they give to others is of critical importance."

Carers UK welcomed the proposals.

"The two-tier benefit recommended by the committee would be a major improvement to the current system," said Imelda Redmond, the group's chief executive.

"Carers need a separate benefit which recognises that they are not unemployed but are making an important contribution to society."

Unpaid care for relatives and friends save the public purse an estimated £87 billion every year, but many carers have to give up work, or take lower paid and part time positions.

MPs are considering plans to tailor support to those coming out of a long-term and intensive care role, who often feel their skills have become rusty and out of date.

"The committee's excellent report lays bare the extent to which carers struggle to access the support they need while carrying out one of the most valuable jobs in our society," said Paul Cann, director of policy and external relations at Help the Aged.

"Carers save our health and social care systems billions of pounds and they deserve a better deal in return."