Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what additional (1) practical, and (2) financial, support they intend to provide to unpaid careers, given new research by Carers UK which shows they are providing unpaid care worth £162 billion each year, equivalent to NHS spending in England and Wales.

The Governments of the United Kingdom provide financial support to unpaid carers through Carer’s Allowance, the Carer Element in Universal Credit and through other benefits. As adult social care is a devolved matter, Devolved Administrations are responsible for delivery of services and support to carers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In England, Under the Care Act 2014, local authorities are required to undertake a Carer’s Assessment for any unpaid carers who appears to have a need for support and to meet their eligible needs on request from the carer. We have earmarked £327 million in the Better Care Fund for 2023/24 to provide short breaks and respite services, as well as additional advice and support for carers.