Responding to the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Fiscal Statement today,

Carers Trust CEO Kirsty McHugh said: “Millions of unpaid carers are being plunged into poverty, or facing extreme financial pressure, because of the extra costs of their caring role. Despite the critical role unpaid carers play in propping up a creaking health and social care system by caring for family members and friends, yet again they have been let down by the UK Government.

“The Energy Bill Relief Scheme will only be short-term support for the independent local carers charities in the Carers Trust Network who desperately need a decrease in energy bills, so that they can spend their funds to support unpaid carers in their communities.

“The cancelling of the Health and Social Care Levy is yet another blow – even though it was unclear when social care, and unpaid carers, would benefit from that Levy. There remains a gaping hole in the social care investment needed, leaving unpaid carers without the support they desperately need, like breaks.

“Where is the leadership on the issues facing unpaid carers?

“The announcements from the UK Government this week show there is still no real strategy that will support the NHS and social care, and unpaid carers and the services that help them.”