Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing annual health check-ups for young carers under 18.

The Department recognises the importance of all young carers having their support needs identified, assessed, and met in a timely manner. Local authorities have a statutory duty to identify when a young carer may need support, and to what extent. The local authority needs assessment provides a holistic approach to understanding the young person’s caring responsibilities and the impact it may have on their education, well-being, and development.

NHS England is working to increase identification and support for young carers. This includes working in partnership with key stakeholders and sharing data and insights on young carers with colleagues in education, to improve the support we provide.