Data shows that around over a third (34%) of unpaid carers aged
25-44 are currently living in poverty.[1]
Unpaid carers often struggle with the cost of living in London.
The capital's elevated cost of living compared to other parts of
the country affects all Londoners to some extent.
However, being an unpaid carer makes it even more difficult to
manage, with unpaid carers typically incurring extra costs, such
as heating, specialist food, transport, parking, medication, or
private medical appointments.
The London Assembly Economy, Culture and Skills
Committee has today published its
report –London's unpaid carers – calling for more
financial support for London's unpaid carers.
The Committee is calling for Transport for
London (TfL) to carry out an assessment to identify options for
reducing the cost of transport for unpaid carers in London, and
for government to conduct a comprehensive review of the Carer's
Allowance, with a view to increasing the amount carers are
entitled to.
Other key recommendations in the report include:
· The Mayor should convene
multi-academy trusts and schools in London and encourage them to
join the Young Carers in Schools programme.
· The Government should put in a
place ring-fenced and multi-year funding settlement for carer
support services in London within the Better Care Fund or any
successor fund by the end of this Parliament.
OBE AM, Chair of the
London Assembly Economy, Culture and Skills
Committee, said:
“Supporting a loved one when they need us most shouldn't put
people at risk of poverty.
“We are all feeling the impact of the cost of living, but unpaid
carers are facing even higher levels of financial hardship, due
to a lack of financial support.
“Research suggests that unpaid carers across the UK provide care
worth around £184 billion every year – equivalent to the entire
NHS budget. Without them, our health and social care systems
would collapse.
“Yet unpaid carers continue to face financial hardship, and in
many instances, are living in poverty just to help their loved
ones live their daily lives.
“Anyone could become a carer, if a relative becomes unwell or
disabled, and often it is unexpected and challenging. Carers are
unsung heroes, who put their loved ones first, many giving up
their careers and independence.
“We need to see more financial support for our unpaid carers, and
through our investigation, speaking directly to unpaid carers and
experts, providing reduced transport costs could have a
significantly positive impact.
“The Mayor and government must seriously consider our
recommendations, and give our unpaid carers the support they
need. It's time we start caring for our carers.”
Notes to editors:
- Carers UK, Poverty and financial hardship
of unpaid carers in the UK, September 2024 (p.16)
- Read the report in full attached.
