Carers over 80: Support

Baroness Manzoor Excerpts

Monday 13th June 2016 Lords Chamber

[Lord Flight (Con)]

My Lords—

[Baroness Manzoor (LD)]

My Lords—

[The Lord Privy Seal (Baroness Stowell of Beeston) (Con)]

My Lords, I am so sorry to get up but we have not yet heard from the Conservative Benches. Although I recognise that there has been a series of Labour Peers it is the turn of the noble Lord, Lord Flight.

--- Later in debate ---

[Lord Prior of Brampton]

Yes, we are talking about not just people who are registered carers but in particular where older people are looking after each other reciprocally, whether that is within marriage or a long-term partnership. Again, you cannot monetise something like that. It is part of a loving relationship. One of the tragedies in this is that it can sometimes change that caring relationship of husband and wife to one of a carer and a cared-for person, which can have a quite difficult psychological impact on individuals.

[Baroness Manzoor]

My Lords, do the Government have any plans to provide respite care for carers, particularly where there are significant disabilities involved with the person being cared for?

[Lord Prior of Brampton]

Respite care is hugely important. I think that the better care fund provides about £130 million a year for respite care. Giving people time out is hugely important.