Written question asked by Lady Hermon (Ulster Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 7 June 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 9 June 2005. It was answered by Shaun Woodward (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 June 2005 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Carers

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much funding was allocated by his Department to help unpaid carers in Northern Ireland in the last year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: In 2004–05, the Social Security Agency paid £84.5 million in Carers Allowance. In addition, the Health and Personal Social Services provides support for carers with assessed needs through its social care programmes. Information on this expenditure is gathered by service, rather than reason for care and it is therefore not possible to specify how much was spent directly on carers. In 2005–06, an additional investment of £400,000 is being made in the development of flexible and responsive respite services, which will be of direct benefit to carers.

Secondary information