Annual Bonus for 1m Carers
Around 1m carers will receive an annual bonus under a Liberal Democrat government, it has been announced.
Liberal Democrats have made a manifesto pledge to give carers £250 per year, by the end of the next parliament.
Research conducted by Carers UK revealed that almost half of all carers are struggling financially due to their caring roles.
Liberal Democrats recognise the invaluable work of carers and understand how important access to respite is for carers.
Carers UK estimate that informal care provided by carers saves the state £119bn per year. Liberal Democrats believe that carers deserve a bonus more than bankers.
This annual payment will be paid directly to carers and they can choose how to spend the money, whether that be towards a break or on something to help make their life a bit easier.
Commenting, Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg said: "Carers are Britain's unsung heroes. Up and down the country behind closed doors, you'll find a hidden army of carers doing amazing things every day.
"It is estimated that six in ten of us will at some point in our lives find ourselves caring for someone else - an elderly relative, a sick child, a friend who needs our support.
"These are people who deserve our support even in straightened times, which is why the Liberal Democrat manifesto will include a Carer's Bonus to give them a little extra help.
"It's completely up to the carers themselves how they spend it - it's a no strings attached bonus from a party that is grateful for the superhuman work they do."
Paul Burstow MP, was Carer Service Minister 2010-12 and was responsible for drawing up the draft Care and Support Bill said "The Carers Bonus shows our commitment to promoting the wellbeing of carers.
"Just as public services, communities and workplaces have seen a shift in how families are supported to balance childcare responsibilities with busy working lives, we now need a similar shift to meet the care needs of a rapidly growing older population too.
"Thanks to the Liberal Democrats the Care Act and Children & Families Act have both extended the rights of carers of all ages, but there is still much more to be done to recognise the hidden treasure that are carers.
"Caring responsibilities can come at any time in a person's life and can exact a heavy price in both health and wealth. About 6 in 10 of us will become carers at some point in our lives, and 45% of carers have given up work to care. Carers UK estimate that informal care saves the country £119 billion per year.
"That is why I am delighted that Nick Clegg has announced our plans for a Carers Bonus.
"The bonus idea was developed by the Party's Ageing Society Working Group as part of our Age Ready Britain policy paper.
"The bonus would be paid annually to carers to use as they see fit, for example as a contribution toward extra costs such as taking a break. To start with it would be set at £125, doubling to £250 no later than 2020.
"This would put extra money in carers hands to make their own decisions about how it can best support them. The Carers Bonus marks out our commitment to promoting the wellbeing of carers and is the first of a number of proposals aimed at better supporting carers that we spell out in our policy paper Age Ready Britain."