Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

Treatment of carers 'shameful' says Welsh Lib Dem Shadow Health Minister

January 21, 2009 12:00 AM

Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Minister, Peter Black has branded the treatment of carers in Wales and throughout the UK as shameful.

Mr. Black was speaking in the light of a survey carried out last autumn by Carers UK which showed, among other findings that three quarters of carers (74%) are struggling to pay utility bills - up from 33% last year - with 65% in fuel poverty.

Mr. Black said:-

"One of the most worrying aspects of this report is that Carers UK carried out their survey last autumn, before the avalanche of bad economic news that has hit us in recent weeks. If life for the 350,000 Welsh carers was difficult then, it will be even worse by now.

"The reality uncovered by the Carers UK survey shows that very many more carers than last year are struggling to pay mortgages, buy food, and heat their homes whilst looking after somebody else at the same time. The way we treat carers is shameful.

"I am pleased that the Welsh Assembly Government are now seeking the powers to make improvements for carers but inevitably this will take two years or more to come to fruition simply because of the cumbersome and unworkable LCO system. Even then the Assembly will not be able to do anything about changing the rules on claiming Carer's Allowance and studying, and on counting the allowance as taxable income, which should be relaxed.

"Carers are the unseen backbone of social care. It is estimated that carers save the government £5.69bn throughout Wales, yet those who receive Carer's Allowance get only £50.55 a week. It is time that was recognized by the Westminster government as well."

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  

    • If you submit your contact details, Peter Black and South Wales West Liberal Democrats, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your contact details, Peter Black and South Wales West Liberal Democrats, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Link to this page

    On websites and printed material:
    southwaleslibdems.org.uk/en/article/2009/116268/treatment-of-carers-shameful-says-welsh-lib-dem-shadow-health-minister
    In text messages, Twitter, or reading over the phone:
    southwaleslibdems.org.uk/a852b

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image

    Print this page

  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  

    • If you submit your contact details, Peter Black and South Wales West Liberal Democrats, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join the Liberal Democrats

  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    • If you agree, Peter Black and South Wales West Liberal Democrats, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Contact us by email, post, or phone