Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what support has been provided to families of people diagnosed with Batten Disease during the covid-19 outbreak.

The Government recognises the vital role unpaid carers play, especially during this difficult period now more than ever, and we recognise the difficulties this pandemic has placed on those caring for family, relatives and their loved ones. On 8 April we published guidance for unpaid carers on GOV.UK, which includes general advice, links to other information and support, and advice on caring where someone has symptoms. We have provided funding to extend Carers UK’s helpline, information and advice services so unpaid carers are able to access trusted information and advice. We have listened to unpaid carers’ concerns about getting access to testing and have made them a priority group for COVID-19 testing. We will continue to work closely with carer organisations and others to support unpaid carers during this period.