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Peter Black and South Wales West Liberal DemocratsRepresenting Aberavon, Bridgend, Gower, Neath, Ogmore, Port Talbot, and Swansea |
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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."
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