Carers Trust responds to Queen's Speech: Health services cannot afford to lose carers

“Carers Trust welcomes today’s commitment from the government to continue with the integration of health and social care, which, if done well, could improve the lives of carers and their families.

“We are concerned, however, that without adequate funding, these good intentions could be undermined. The pooling of health and social care funding through the Better Care Fund could help integrate these services. However without ensuring we invest in social care services, we will see needs escalating, not reducing.  

“In addition, carers affected by planned reductions in the benefit cap – because carers are not automatically excluded -  are likely to  find themselves in dire financial straits. This may lead to a breakdown in their ability to carry on caring, placing an increased  demand on our health and social care services.

“By protecting carers’ benefits and investing in social care, our government could ensure carers can continue to care . Our health and social care services cannot afford to lose them and the care they provide, every day, free of charge . We urge the government to take the opportunities they have to support carers.”