Ellie Ames 14 November 2023

Young carers let down by system, 'damning' report says

Young carers let down by system, damning report says image
Image: goodluz / Shutterstock.com

The first ever parliamentary inquiry on young carers has revealed the ‘devastating impact’ of care responsibilities on their education, wellbeing and prospects.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Young Carers and Young Adult Carers published the findings of its inquiry today.

The APPG said it 'uncovered alarming evidence' showing 15,000 children, including 3,000 aged between five and nine, spend 50 hours or more a week looking after family members because of illness, disability or addiction.

It heard that young carers missed an average of 27 school days a year and were 38% less likely to achieve a university degree than their peers.

The CEO of the charity Carers Trust, Kirsty McHugh, said: ‘This damning report should be a wake-up call that young carers are being horribly let down by the system.

‘As the social care system struggles to cope with demand, these young people are having to fill the gaps.’

The APPG found young people struggling with care responsibilities faced a ‘postcode lottery’ of available support, often because they were not being identified as carers.

Inquiry chair Duncan Baker said: ‘The wildly uneven support available across the country shows an urgent need for the Government and Parliament to work together to transform the landscape.’

The report recommends the ‘urgent’ introduction of a cross-government national carers strategy to co-ordinate support.

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay award pending)
Do you have a real passion for helping families to make positive changes for themselves and their children? This might be the right role for you!   WH Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer Receptionist

Durham County Council
Grade 3 £24,404 - £25,183 Pro Rata to hours worked Pay award pending
WHAT IS INVOLVED? We are looking to appoint a part time Clerical officer/Receptionist within Business Services to provide a professional, effective a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administration Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Administration Assistant Grade 5    £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31 December 2025 37 hours per week, Te Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Support Assistant Grade 1 £24,027 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31st October 2026 Part Time, 32.5 hours Mon - Fri 9am -4pm Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lecturer in Foundation Learning -Maths, English and Digital

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £34,314 - £37,938 pro rata for part-time term time working PAY AWARD PENDING
The DurhamLearn Foundation Learning programme area delivers Digital Skills, English and Maths Functional Skills.   An opportunity has arisen for a Lec Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner