Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said:

“Today’s Budget falls very short of supporting the UK’s 5.7 million carers who are looking after an ill, elderly, or disabled relative or friend. 

“We are incredibly disappointed that the Chancellor has not prioritised unpaid carers in what could be his last Budget. Although the six-month extension to the Household Support Fund will support some carers on a short-term basis, it is nowhere near enough to address the cost-of-living crisis that continues to hammer thousands of carers. We had called for significant reform and increases to Carer's Allowance and other carers benefits, alas carers who keeneep our NHS and Social Care services afloat at their own cost have yet again been ignored. 

“With the care crisis growing, we urgently need greater support and funding for social care to ensure that carers have access to the breaks and support that they need.   

“A staggering 600 people a day are giving up work to care, many as a result of the lack of social care. The lack of long-term sustainable funding for social care is heaping ever more pressure onto families. It’s simply unacceptable. As well as being financially disastrous for families, employers end up shouldering extra costs through lost productivity.  

“It makes clear economic as well as moral sense to have a long-term plan for social care for families as well as the economy.  

“Most unpaid carers are on Carer’s Allowance, and almost half of them (46%) are now cutting back on essentials such as food and heating – a rise from previous years. It is clear more must be done.  

“Only two million unpaid carers are currently in employment. Juggling work and caring responsibilities is often difficult and many unpaid carers end up leaving work altogether to look after a relative or friend. Although we welcome the introduction of the Carers Leave Act which comes into force in April and grants unpaid carers up to five days of unpaid leave and the new flexible working policy, we must see the Government continuously review this legislation to ensure its effectiveness.  

"Ahead of the election later this year, we desperately need all parties to commit to developing a comprehensive National Carers Strategy to transform Government's approach to support unpaid carers. The value of unpaid caring is estimated to be worth 162 billion a year – the equivalent of a second NHS. As the UK gets ready for a General Election, any future Government must prioritise the needs of unpaid carers. 

“Most of us will take on caring responsibilities in our lifetime, it is essential that we recognise the valuable contribution unpaid carers make to our society.”