CARERS (EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES) ACT 2004
NEW RIGHTS FROM 1 APRIL 2005
I am delighted that the Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004 is being implemented and will start making a difference to the lives of carers in my constituency.
There are over six million carers in the UK, who provide essential support, saving the country £57 billion each year, equivalent to the cost of the NHS. Every year over 2.3 million people become carers. Many of these people remain unaware of the benefits and services that are available to them.
The new Act will help carers have a life outside caring, by improving work and training opportunities and access to leisure. This is a really important step towards ensuring that carers own health and well-being are given priority.
To help carers find out about their rights Carers UK, with the support of British Gas and the Department of Health, have produced a new booklet, Balancing Life and Caring. To order free copies of the booklet visit www.carersuk.org or call 020 7566 7626. Alternatively, carers can write to me for more information.
Further information on issues affecting carers can be found at the Carers UK website: www.carersuk.org
Other useful links: www.carers.gov.uk
Press release:
CARERS RIGHTS DAY 2004
I was delighted to support Carers UK’s fifth annual Carers Rights Day on 3 December 2004. It is important that people who look after a sick or disabled relative check that they are claiming all the benefits and services to which they are entitled.
Research by Carers UK shows us that carers’ own health can suffer as a result of the stresses of caring, so it is vital that carers know their rights, to ensure that they get the benefits and support they need.
There are over six million carers in the UK, who provide essential support, saving the country £57 billion each year, equivalent to the cost of the NHS. Every year over 2.3 million people become carers. Many of these people remain unaware of the benefits and services that are available to them.
It’s a real concern that carers in my constituency may not be getting all the help they are entitled to. Carers need support – they save the country a fortune and without them, the NHS and social care system would collapse. Research has shown that carers often suffer from poor health themselves, and it is vital that they are given information about their rights so that they get the support they need.
It is vital that carers claim the benefits that are rightfully theirs because Carer’s Allowance can help protect basic state pension rights for carers under 65 and will help carers to build up a second tier pension.
Carers can now claim Carer’s Allowance online at: www.dwp.gov.uk/carersallowance/index.asp. This has proved very popular with carers who have used it.
Carers can order a free Carers Rights Guide from Carers UK by visiting www.carersuk.org, emailing carersrightsday@ukcarers.org, or calling 020 8880 8125. Alternatively, they can write to me for more information.
Further information on issues affecting carers can be found at the Carers UK website: www.carersuk.org.
Other useful links:
www.carers.gov.uk
www.dwp.gov.uk
