Michael Moore MP - '£1.34 An Hour Scant Reward for Borders Carers' (Central Scotland Liberal Democrats)

Central Scotland Liberal Democrats <ian.ogilvie.libdems@talktalk.net>

Michael Moore MP - '£1.34 An Hour Scant Reward for Borders Carers'

May 28, 2009 9:20 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Borders MP Michael Moore has called for the Government to increase the level of financial support offered to the estimated six million people in the UK who provide unpaid care to someone they know.

Mr Moore was speaking ahead of Carers Week 2009, an annual event that seeks to highlight the contributions made by unpaid carers in the Borders and around the UK.

Researchers at Leeds University have estimated that carers save the UK economy almost £90 billion every year. Despite this, many individuals looking after family members suffer reduced income and employment opportunities, with their commitment to care preventing them from taking on paid work. The main carers' benefit is £50.55 per week for a minimum of 35 hours - this equivalent to just £1.34 per hour. The most recent census data available has shown that around 500,000 people in Scotland consider themselves as full-time carers.

Mr Moore is an active campaigner for greater support and recognition for carers. Commenting, he said:

'£1.34 an hour in no way reflects the true value of the work of carers in the Borders. The difference that they make to the lives of those for whom they care is priceless.

'It is no exaggeration to say that our public services would be in crisis if the six million carers in the UK stopped their work. The Government must do more to support these unsung heroes.

'I am delighted to lend my support to Carers Week, and I hope that this important campaign will help more of my constituents who are dedicated to looking after someone to get access to greater levels of help and advice.'

Notes:

• Carers Week is a partnership of 10 national charities: Carers UK, Counsel & Care, Crossroads Caring for Carers, Help the Hospices, Macmillan Cancer Support, MS Society, Parkinson's Disease Society, The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, Vitalise and WRVS.

• Carers Week 2009 is running from the 8 - 14 June 2009.

• During Carers Week 2008, over 100,000 carers took part in more than 6,000 events and activities throughout the UK. Over 1,100 local organisations organised events.