Carers UK delivers open letter to Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street

On the 15th of August, alongside a group of carers, CarersUK handed in the open letter that they launched prior to the General Election, to the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street.

The letter urges the new Government to act decisively to provide the structures, mechanisms, and legislative basis for real and lasting change to improve your lives. It sets out the priorities you told us needed addressing which we feel, taken together, provide a blueprint for Government to take significant steps towards the UK being a society that recognises, values, and supports unpaid carers. Importantly, this includes the development of a new, ambitious, and comprehensive National Carers Strategy to transform the way the Government supports carers over the next 10 years.

They also called on the Government to:

1. reform Carer’s Allowance and other social security payments for carers
2. invest in carers’ breaks and respite services, and legislate so all carers have a right to a break in England
3. make the NHS the most carer-friendly heath service in the world, with new rights and practical support
4. introduce a statutory right to two weeks of paid Carer’s Leave for working carers
5. recognise caring as the 10th protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010
6. provide sustainable funding and investment in social care services
7. support carers to manage their health and wellbeing.

Together, we have taken a decisive step to ensure that the voices of Carers are heard at the highest level of Government. As we await the response from the Prime Minister, your continued support remains crucial. There are more campaigning opportunities coming up in the coming weeks and they are already engaging with new Ministers across Government. They will continue to work tirelessly on your behalf to secure the changes we need to realise a future where carers are fully supported and appreciated for everything you do for our society.

For more information about the changes we would like to see the Government make in support of Carers, please read the manifesto they published prior to the election!

Thank you again for your support.

With best wishes from everyone at Carers UK