Carers

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Carer Emergency
By Tony Rhodes/Paula Hanson

After more than a decade of ignoring most of the advice of the various committees commissioned by the government, the latest rejection of the Task Force recommendations is the last straw for many carers. Following closely on the heels of the disappointment of long awaited Carers Strategy, published with absolutely no financial help for carers which has led to a further crisis in carer finances.

Carers UK outlined in the Short Change campaign the severe financial difficulties that many carers face. In this situation giving carers nothing with the intention of considering help at some time in the future when the whole benefit system is reviewed is unacceptable especially when many carers who work long hours caring do not see themselves as benefit claimants and want to be considered separately. The government have announced in the Strategy that their vision is that - "carers will be supported so that they are not forced into financial hardship by their caring role".

In response to the fact that many carers are in despair at the lack of action from the government to address carer poverty. In response to the fact that because of the increase in fuel prices and the overall cost of living carers and their families will without doubt suffer extreme financial hardship this coming winter.

Particularly in response to the fact that the government has offered financial help to "hard working families" and in the governments own words they "recognise the great personal commitment of people who care for severely disabled relative, friend or neighbour". Carers themselves are asking the government to also extend financial help to them and their families.

The National Carers Forum - http://www.nationalcarersforum.co.uk in conjunction with Carer Watch - www.carerwatch.com and Justice For Carers - http://www.justiceforcarers.org.uk are therefore declaring a CARER EMERGENCY and are asking for immediate financial help of at least the £1000 as suggested by the Task Force, payable to all carers eligible for Carer's Allowance, and carers with the under lying entitlement. Not as a substitute for weekly payments but in addition to benefits and disregarded in the calculation of income-related payments.

To find out more about the National Carers Forum please take a look at our introductory video on YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DOius3rb_4

Tony Rhodes/Paula Hanson
Founders, National Carers Forum
http://www.nationalcarersforum.co.uk
Contact details: admin@nationalcarersforum.co.uk

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