Carers Week: Tim Farron MP calls for emergency funding to give carers in Westmorland and Lonsdale a break

This Carers Week, South Lakes MP Tim Farron is calling on the Government to provide emergency funding to give carers a break from dramatically increased caring responsibilities during the Covid pandemic.

More than 9,700 people in Westmorland and Lonsdale are looking after elderly, disabled or vulnerable people. Data from Carers UK shows 64% of carers have not been able to take any sort of a break during the pandemic.

The call from the Liberal Democrats to give councils immediate emergency funding so they can provide the support services unpaid carers need to take a weekly break comes during Carers Week, an annual campaign to recognise the contribution of unpaid carers across the UK.

Tim said: "Unpaid carers are the unsung heroes of this pandemic.

"They have selflessly worked day in day out to look after loved ones under almost impossible circumstances, saving the NHS millions of pounds in the process.

"That's why Liberal Democrats are campaigning for carers to be given a much needed and well deserved break."