Emily Holzhausen OBE, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Carers UK said: 

“This report from the Care Quality Commission lays bare a system that is under extreme pressure, when we already know from unpaid carers that they are providing more substantial care to loved ones than ever, according to the most recent Census.   

“The challenges in the health and adult social care system adds extra pressure on unpaid carers, when 61% already say that being able to take regular breaks from caring would be a challenge over the coming year. 

“Many people simply don’t have the funding to pay for their own care – they are stranded, left with an ever-shrinking welfare state and little support from Government. This leaves family and friends having to step-in, leading to 600 people a day giving up paid work to provide care for loved ones. 

“We are still waiting for the £25 million innovation funding first announced in December 2021 for unpaid carers to be delivered – that’s nearly two years ago.  But we all know that’s not enough for what families who provide care really need.

“Unpaid carers need a step change in the way that health and care services support them.  We need Government to commit to a National Carers Strategy, and robust and sustained investment in social care.”