The Chancellor, the Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP, presented his Spring Statement (mini budget) to Parliament yesterday.
Our Chief executive, Miriam Martin, has responded to the statement and what it means for unpaid carers across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and Norfolk.
She said, “Every week, our team at Caring Together are hearing how carers of all ages are already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, and this is before the unprecedented increase in energy bills comes in. This includes parent carers who rely on medical equipment to support the person they care for, and young carers who we have seen choose to get into trouble at school for not having the required equipment, rather than ask their parents for basics they fear they cannot afford.
“Whilst the cut in fuel duty and increase in the threshold for paying national insurance contributions will benefit a small number of carers, it will do little for the thousands of older carers that we support, or those carers in receipt of carers allowance – which remains the lowest benefit available and is set to rise by just £2.10 a week. The continuation of the Household Support Fund is something which we welcome, but it represents little more than a sticking plaster and will not help with the continuing financial struggles which large numbers of carers are already facing.
“With the upcoming Health and Social Care Levy, and the proposed social care reforms, it is vital that we get a social care system which is sustainably funded in order to provide support to carers and those they look after – otherwise it will continue to be left to charities such as ourselves to pick up the pieces.”
If you are looking after a family member or friend and struggling to cope with your finances, contact us for advice and information about what support is available.
Call us 0345 241 0954 or email [email protected]
