CARERS

Early day motion 740, tabled 27 January 2010 by Bob Spink (Independent). Signed by 64 members.

That this House congratulates the six million people in the UK who provide unpaid help, care and support to a relative or friend who has an illness or disability; notes the huge contribution that carers make, many of whom are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks of the year and often unrecognised by society, communities and sometimes within carers' own families; further notes that as a consequence of this lack of recognition carers go without the support they need; further notes that many carers, such as students and carers aged over 65, are ineligible for support and that almost two million disabled people over 65 years receive no state-funded care and rely on informal care, and that this figure is set to grow to 2.6 million by 2022; thanks Counsel and Care, Carers UK and Help the Aged for their work to get the right deal for carers; is concerned that three-quarters of local authorities only provide care to people whose needs are critical or substantial; and calls on the Government to review carer and benefits policy to ensure that vulnerable people get the care they need and are not at risk of social exclusion at a local or national level.

Signatures by party: Labour 30, Liberal Democrat 15, Conservative 5, DUP 4, Independent 4, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Plaid Cymru 1, Respect 1, Scottish National Party 1, UUP 1.