More needs to be done to help Westmorland's nearly 10,000 carers says Farron

'More needs to be done to help Westmorland's 9,748 carers' says South Lakes MP Tim Farron. Tim called the nearly 10,000 carers 'unsung heroes'.

New research by Carers UK shows there are 3,190 people who begin caring annually in Westmorland and Lonsdale.

Carers save the state tens of billions of pounds a year and the Liberal Democrats have created a package of measures to support carers as part of our pre-manifesto.

The package includes raising the amount carers can earn before losing their allowance.

It also contains measures for more flexible working hours, support in returning to the jobs market and a scheme informing carers of their rights and giving them access to facilities.

This follows Lib Dem plans announced earlier this year to introduce an annual Carer's Bonus of up to £250.

Commenting, Tim said: "Carers are the unsung heroes of our care system. There are thousands carers in Westmorland and they all do a remarkable job. We need to make sure they receive the support they need.

"Carers contribute so much to our economy and society we want to make it easier for them to stay in work and balance their caring responsibilities with other parts of their lives."