Mr Kinnock announced new projects to help give carers much-needed breaks and greater flexibility, as well as technology to make their lives easier.
Currently caregivers may be entitled to Carer's Allowance or Carer Support Payment, equating to £81.90 per week or £327.60 over four weeks. In addition, some will receive the Universal Credit Carer Element which removes compulsory work activities but offers voluntary employment support. However, many thousands of people are not compensated for the care they give.
The 2021Census estimated the number of unpaid carers at 5 million in England and Wales. This, together with data for Scotland and Northern Ireland, shows that the number of unpaid carers across the UK is closer to 5.8 million, with some estimates suggesting 12,000 people in the UK becoming unpaid carers every day.
There remain many thousands of people currently unpaid for the care they give, and a recent Metro article showed that there are tragically 13 murders or murder-suicides which involve a person caring for a Disabled child or family member every year.
The support announced today by MR Kinnock will be rolled out across the country next week through the Accelerating Reform Fund (ARF) to support schemes run by local authorities. They include new ways to identify and recognise unpaid carers to ensure nobody is left behind, digitising carers’ assessments so that they are easier to access and setting up carers’ support services in hospitals.
Councils will also receive £1.3 billion of new funding for 2025/2026, including at least £600 million for social care, alongside an extra £86 million for the Disabled Facilities Grant.
News of stronger support for carers follows the Chancellors announcement that the Carer’s Allowance earnings threshold would increase by over £2,300, providing unpaid carers with the opportunity to earn more while also providing essential care for their families.
The government has also announced an independent review into Carer's Allowance overpayments, after families were forced to pay back thousands of pounds which pushed many into deeper debt and financial distress. However, it is unclear if families still owing the government money will need to continue with repayments while the inquiry is underway, or if the debts will be written off when the enquiry concludes.
Minister of State for Care, Stephen Kinnock, said: “Unpaid carers are the country’s unsung heroes: they provide invaluable support to vulnerable people every day.”
“It is vital they too have the support they need so they can look after their own health and wellbeing. This funding will allow local authorities to harness the full potential of technology to give carers more flexibility and help with these crucial roles.”
Dan white policy and campaigns officer at DR UK and an unpaid carer, said: “Any news that looks to support carers is very welcome. DR UK are very conscious of the role carers play, indeed we highlighted the struggles and debts incurred by carers this year by working on a carers Newsnight special.”
“Carers are cautious about such announcements, as they are often vague and tokenistic. It is immediately evident that being offered tele- monitoring by my local council or being invited to attend an art class won’t solve the financial and social hardships experienced by carers. A massive funding increase to our social care system should have been the main thing pledged today.”
“1 in 6 unpaid carers are in debt due to their caring role, while 2 in 5 are in debt due to receiving carers allowance. Anxiety and depression are constants for many carers, and Mr Kinnock’s announcement barely scratches the surface.”
“The immediate cancellation of all carers related debt should have been pledged. As should a support package for the country’s tens of thousands of young carers who are looking after Disabled relatives whilst juggling school and household tasks.”