Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to improve the (a) services and (b) support available to help informal carers care for their loved ones.

We recognise the crucial role unpaid carers play, especially during the COVID-19 outbreak.

We have published guidance for unpaid carers, which includes advice on infection control, and links to other information and support on caring for someone with symptoms. It is available on GOV.UK. Guidance to help young carers and young adult carers (aged under 25) is also available on GOV.UK. The guidance is designed to help them understand the changes they need to make and signposts to help and support available during the outbreak.

In addition, unpaid carers can continue to claim Carer’s Allowance if they need to self-isolate. During the outbreak emotional support can also count towards the 35 hours a week Carer’s Allowance care threshold.

We have also provided funding to extend Carers UK’s information and advice service during the COVID-19 outbreak. We continue to work closely with carers organisations to identify further solutions to support carers.