PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Carers (10 June 2021)

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent steps he has taken to (a) recognise the importance of the role of unpaid carers and (b) provide adequate resources to local authorities to support unpaid family carers, including with information, advice and access to respite breaks.

Asked by:
Feryal Clark (Labour)

The Care Act 2014 introduced new rights for carers including an assessment of and support for their needs where eligible by their local authority. We have provided over £11.6 million to a number of charities to support carers and guidance tailored their needs.

We are working with local authorities, in collaboration with Association of Directors of Adult Social Services and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to ensure, where possible, the safe resumption of day services and other forms of respite care. The Department has provided £1.35 billion to adult social care services through the Infection Control Fund, which has been used to support the reopening of day and respite services. In addition, we have provided over £2 billion this year to the Better Care Fund which local authorities can access to fund social care services in their areas, including respite services.

Answered by:
Helen Whately (Conservative)
9 September 2021