William Eichler 20 February 2025

Over half of carers want more local government support

Over half of carers want more local government support  image
Image: PeopleImages.com - Yuri A / Shutterstock.com.

Unpaid carers are feeling ‘overwhelmed’ and say they need more support from local authorities, a survey by a carers charity has revealed.

The latest State of Caring Survey by Carers UK found that 57% of people looking after disabled, older or ill relatives feel overwhelmed ‘often’ or ‘always’.

Nearly two thirds (65%) feel overwhelmed because they haven’t been able to take a break and 55% say they need more recognition of their needs from councils.

Under the Care Act 2014, carers are entitled to have a Carer’s Assessment by their local council, offering an opportunity to discuss support.

However, only 23% have completed an assessment in the last 12 months, according to the survey, and 42% of these say their local authority has not supported them following this.

Almost half (47%) say the assessment?identified areas where they need more support, but this has not yet been provided.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Public Health

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Up to £131,210
The Public Health department is at the heart of the council’s business. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Head of Regeneration and Growth

Plymouth City Council
£68,387 - £74,411 (MFS and relocation available, pay award pending)
This is a unique opportunity to lead our award-winning development team and directly deliver hundreds of millions of pounds of projects. Plymouth, Devon
Recuriter: Plymouth City Council

Director of Adult Social Care

Wiltshire Council
£119,390 - £127,137
Join us as the Director of Adult Social Care and make a real difference to people’s lives. Wiltshire
Recuriter: Wiltshire Council

Assistant Director Planning, Performance & Engagement

East Sussex County Council
up to £97,700
With strong local communities, unspoilt countryside and vibrant coastal towns, East Sussex offers an exceptional quality of life to many. East Sussex
Recuriter: East Sussex County Council

Director of Finance & Commerce

Lancashire County Council
Up to £114,339
You will play a critical role in driving the organisation through complex change and innovation. Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council
Linkedin Banner