Farron hands petition to Downing Street calling for more carer support

South Lakeland MP Tim Farron joined a group of carers from 'Carers Poverty Alliance' to hand in a 700-strong petition to Downing Street yesterday, urging the Government to provide more financial help to carers. The handing in of the petition was also supported by a large group of carers who had travelled from all over the country to make their voice heard by the Prime Minister.

It is estimated that carers save the country around £87 billion a year, yet a carer receives only £53.10 a week for a minimum of 35 hours caring. This is the equivalent of £1.52 per hour, far below the national minimum wage of £5.73 per hour. The petition calls on the Government to increase the carer allowance for all people who provide a minimum of 35 hours a week unpaid care, regardless of what other benefits they receive.

Tim Farron commenting:

'In South Lakeland there are over 11,000 carers, 2000 of whom care for their loved one for more than 50 hours a week. Often carers receive little, or no financial support for the care they give and this must change.'

'This petition is relevant for us all as 3 in 5 people will at some point in their lives become a carer; when this happens, we will want to be able to care for our loved one without facing the horrific financial worries which many carers currently experience.'

'I sincerely hope the government takes notice of this petition and increases support for carers as a matter of urgency.'