Laura Sharman 21 October 2019

Councils helping fewer unpaid family carers

Fewer unpaid family carers are receiving support from their local council, new figures have revealed.

Analysis by NHS Digital shows that the number of family carers supported or assessed by local councils fell by more than 2% in 2018. This is despite a legal duty on councils to assess the support needs of a wider range of carers.

Professor Sue Yeandle of Sheffield University said: ‘Carers - the backbone of our care and support system - face mounting pressures; some are desperate. Good local services, regular breaks and support to navigate the system can really help, but funding pressures on councils mean too few get the help they need. Urgent action is needed now to avoid further harm.’

The Social Market Foundation calculated last year that there are 7.6 million people in the UK who are providing unpaid care for a relative.

James Kirkup, SMF director said: ‘Family carers are essential to the social care system, providing millions of hours of care every week. They often pay a high price for doing so. Any attempt to deliver a sustainable social care system must take better account of their needs.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Adult Social Worker Mental Health

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£38,976 - £52,767
Mental Health Social Worker
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Director of Finance (Deputy Section 151 Officer)

Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Council
up to salary max £121,445 per annum
We are now seeking a Director of Finance and Deputy Section 151 Officer to play a pivotal role Hybrid / Kingston Upon Thames
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Council

Principal Engineer - Adoptions

West Northamptonshire Council
£49,587 - £52,860
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Principal Highways Engineer to join our Highways Development Management team at West Northamptonshire Council. This is a senior role leading on the assessment, negotiation, and delivery of highway works linked t Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Head of Highway Operations

Derbyshire County Council
Grade 15 £63,002 - £69,103 per annum
As we begin to implement our new structure, we have an exciting leadership opportunity as the head of our new operations service. Derbyshire
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council

Trainee Roadworker Driver

Derbyshire County Council
Grade 5 £25,185 - £25,583 per annum
We’re looking for Roadworker/trainee LGV drivers to be part of our team undertaking all aspects of highways maintenance and improvement works Derbyshire
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council
Linkedin Banner