Unpaid Carers in the UK's Health and Social Care System Valued at Multi-Billion Pound Budget, Report Finds

These carers, who include 1.5 million people in England alone, provide 50 or more hours of care per week to loved ones.

However, only 27% of carers currently receive paid support such as direct payments, personal budgets, and commissioned support.

The report also highlights a decline in the numbers of carers receiving respite care, from 57,000 in 2015/16 to 33,000 in 2021/22.

The strain of caring is particularly tough on full-time carers, such as Tania Tillyer, who has been looking after her quadriplegic son Lee since he was born.

The report suggests that the value of unpaid care in England and Wales is equivalent to the NHS multi-billion-pound budget, and charities have accused the government of halving social care funding pledges.

The article discusses the value of unpaid carers in the UK's health and social care system.

The report highlights that unpaid carers contribute to the social care system as if they were four million paid care workers.

The carers face difficulties in finding out what support is available and navigating the complex system.

They also experience pressure from the wider issues in the health and social care sector.

The government has provided £327m through the Better Care Fund this year to support local authorities with health and care services, including providing carers with advice, support, and short breaks and respite services.

The government also provides financial support to unpaid carers through carer's allowance, and they are finalizing plans to provide an additional £25m to support carers.