John Battle MP (Lab, Leeds West) today welcomed new Government measures
to improve support and services for carers.
Chancellor Gordon Brown has announced the launch of a country-wide consultation
with carers and voluntary organisations to update the 1999 Carers Strategy.
The Government is also making available £33m in an initiative known
as the New Deal for Carers.
John Battle MP said, “I am delighted that Government has recognised
the contribution that carers make to society and has allocated additional
funding to support them. Leeds will receive £347,000 to provide
emergency support, which will give carers peace of mind and ensure that
they look after their own health and wellbeing. The nationwide consultation
on the new Carers Strategy will ensure that carers’ voices are
heard at the heart of Government.”
Mr Battle has recently called on the Government to do more to help growing
numbers of carers. As reported in theYorkshire Evening Post in
October, he used a speech to local organisation Carers Leeds to urge
ministers to increase the benefits available to carers and offer tax
breaks and greater opportunities to remain in work.
He said: “Carers are fulfilling a vital role in society and without
them the NHS and the social care system would not be able to cope. I
am pleased that the Government is looking to better support carers through
this extra money.”
There are nearly 520,000 carers in Yorkshire and the Humber providing
unpaid care, looking after an ill, frail or disabled family member, friend
or partner.
Under the new deal for carers, local authorities in England will be allocated
a share of £25 million to provide emergency support. A further £3
million will be spent on a national advice and information service, and £5
million will be spent on a training programme for carers.
Imelda Redmond, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said:
“Carers UK has high hopes for the Government’s latest measures
for carers. This is a golden opportunity to deliver real change for carers
in Yorkshire and the Humber.”
©John Battle MP 22 February 2007
John
Battle Member of Parliament for West Leeds.