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Carers

Answer

The Government’s new deal for carers involves a number of strands which will improve the support given to all carers, including young carers. We have committed to continuing the carers’ grant throughout the next spending review period as part of the area based grant. Since 1999, the carers’ grant has given councils over £1 billion to help them support carers. In addition, in the report Aiming high for disabled children: better support for families, the Government set out plans for improving outcomes for disabled children supported by £340 million of new investment over the next three years. This includes £280 million which has been set aside for the transformation of short break provision for disabled children and their families. The Department of Health is currently leading on a cross-government review of the 1999 Prime Minister’s Strategy for Carers. As part of this review, we have sought the views of carers of all ages, including young carers. The revised strategy will be published in spring 2008 and will set out our vision to support carers in the short, medium and longer term. The Government are also championing the establishment of a carers’ advice line to give carers the information they need. We are making up to £3 million a year available to support this service. In addition, we are developing an expert carers’ programme which will provide vital training for carers. We are making up to £5 million per year available to fund the programme. Finally, we have already made £25 million available to enable councils to provide short-term cover for carers in emergencies.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

5728; 695 c177-8WA

Session

2006-07

Subjects

Carers Advisory services Finance Training Respite care

Contains statistics

Yes

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk