Hull MP welcomes new boost for carers

Hull North MP Diana Johnson today welcomed a new multi-million pound package of support and services for Hull's carers, unveiled today by Ivan Lewis, Minister for Care Services.

There are nearly 520,000 carers in Yorkshire and the Humber providing unpaid care, including 22,982 in Hull, looking after an ill, frail or disabled family member, friend or partner. In Hull, 8,503 more people became carers over the past year.

The Government's £33 million New Deal for Carers includes a range of measures designed to recognise the essential work that carers carry out across the country, including:

£25 million for councils, including £153,000 for Hull City Council, to be spent on providing short-term home-based respite care for carers in crisis or emergency situations;

£3 million towards the establishment of a national helpline for carers;

£5 million to support the development of an experts carers programme.

Gordon Brown, the Chancellor, today also announced the launch of a country-wide consultation with carers and voluntary organisations to update the 1999 Carers Strategy.

Diana Johnson MP said: "Millions of carers in this country, including almost 23,000 in Hull, are hidden heroes. I meet many of them around Hull North and when I visit Hull Carers Centre. They keep families together through their support and devotion, often providing care 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"Carers take on that precious role that enables a friend or family member to stay at home and live with the dignity, independence and the security that the rest of us take for granted.

"This army of dedicated carers do not want to give away their responsibilities, but they want Government and local services on their side, with the necessary care and support available to maintain their family's quality of life. This is why I am delighted that this Labour Government recognises the contribution that carers make to society and is taking action to improve their lives.

"The Government has already acted to improve the pension rights of carers. Now Hull will receive an extra £153,000 to provide emergency support, on top of the massive extra funding already given to councils since 1997. This will help give carers peace of mind and help them look after their own health and well-being. The nationwide consultation on the new Carers Strategy will ensure that carers' voices are heard at the heart of Government."

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, said: "Every one of the carers I have met is an inspiration and refutes a widespread cynicism that in today's society selfishness matters more than service to others. Having listened to their stories and the challenges they face, I know we must and will do more in the years to come to help. That is why today we are announcing the most far-reaching national consultation ever on the future of carers, to encourage the fullest engagement of the very people who would benefit most."

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."