New Carers UK report shows increase in value of unpaid care – more than total annual spend on NHS

Nick Harvey has welcomed a new report by Carers UK, which shows that the value of unpaid care had increased significantly.  

It revealed that over 72,000 carers in Devon are saving the state a staggering £1 billion per year. 

Nationally, the value of unpaid support that carers provide has now reached £87 billion a year - more than the annual total spend on the NHS, which stood at £82 billion in the year 2006-7.

The new figure, calculated by the University of Leeds for Carers UK,  the leading charity for people caring for their sick, disabled or frail relatives and partners, is 52 per cent higher than previous estimates of how much carers save the UK - £57 billion in 2002 - and the average carer is saving the nation over £15,260 a year.

Nick Harvey says: 

‘Carers are the unsung heroes in our community, it about time the Government recognised the massive impact they make and the huge savings they make on public expenditure. I fully endorse Carers UK’s campaign to gain this recognition.’

Imelda Redmond, Chief Executive of Carers UK says,

‘When you put a monetary value on carers’ contribution to the economy, it shows the stark reality of the true costs.  It is clear that without carers, our NHS and social care systems would collapse. Indeed their input is so vast that it has kept pace with the extra investment put by Government into the NHS. 

“We need concerted action from Government, employers and public bodies to end social exclusion among carers.  Carers are invaluable to the UK – it is time they were given the support and recognition to become valued and equal members of society. ‘

The rise in the value of carers’ support can be put down to three factors:
 
• The number of carers providing “significant” care has risen, owing to health and social care failing to keep pace with demand. 

• Although more hours of care are being provided in the community it is being provided to fewer people because they have increasingly complex needs. 

• This leaves carers making up much of the shortfall. 

• Thirdly, the cost of replacement care has gone up, in line with other wages. 

Carers UK is calling for: 

• Significant investment in support services for disabled people and carers, including stimulation of the care market.

• New legislation to make it illegal to discriminate against carers - in the same way that it is for disabled people.

• A full scale review of carers’ benefits; and the exploration of tax breaks and tax credits to help carers avoid poverty and remain in employment.   

• A full calculation of the risk to the economy if insufficient care is provided in the future.

Carers UK contact: Kate Groucutt t: 020 7566 7616
email: kate.groucutt@carersuk.org.