SUPPORT FOR CARERS

Early day motion 444, tabled 14 January 2009 by Tim Farron (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 69 members.

That this House notes the dedication of the many thousands of carers in the UK, valued commercially at an estimated £5 billion a year to the health industry; recognises that the Carer's Allowance, which is the main benefit given to carers, is just £50 a week; expresses concern that some carers, including those aged over 65 years or suffering from illness, are excluded from receiving any carer's benefit altogether; is alarmed by the fact that one in five carers was forced to give up their work because of a loss of essential income; and urges the Government to review the benefits received by carers to ensure that they are given a fair deal.

Signatures by party: Labour 28, Liberal Democrat 24, Conservative 5, DUP 5, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, Independent 2, Plaid Cymru 1, Scottish National Party 1.