Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown (Democratic Unionist Party). It was answered on Tuesday, 30 March 2010 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Carers Strategy

Question: Does the Secretary of State accept that many carers feel undervalued in the work that they do? How does he see that being radically changed? Will he assure us that family carers do not lose any benefits that they should normally receive?

Answer: I agree with the hon. Gentleman that people feel undervalued. It is right to say that carers often face a battle to get support and that that can be very wearying, particularly at a difficult emotional time for their family. That is why we have published today—he did call for radical change—a White Paper that proposes a fundamental reform of social care in England by establishing a national care service, which will be free at the point of use and operate according to need and on NHS principles. It will also give everybody the ability to get peace of mind in later life and to protect what they have worked for. We have also said that the essential characteristics of attendance allowance and disability living allowance will be preserved in any new system.

Secondary information