Lib Dems plan £250 bonus and paid care leave for carers

By The Press Association23rd April 2015News EnglandCarers, General Election, News England

Carers looking after elderly, ill or disabled loved ones will be given a “bonus” of up to £250 which they could spend on a holiday under Liberal Democrat plans.

The party would also consult with businesses on giving an entitlement of five days’ paid “care leave” a year.

Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg said the measures were part of a package to reward the “unsung heroes of British society”.

Other policies in the package, part of the Lib Dems’ disability manifesto being launched in Brecon, Mid Wales, include increasing the amount people can earn without losing their entitlement to carer’s allowance from £110 a week to £150.

The NHS will have a legal duty to identify carers and a new “carer’s passport” to offer privileges which could range from more flexible visiting hours and free hospital parking, through to free cinema tickets, restaurant meals, and gym sessions.

Under the Lib Dem plans, people in receipt of the carer’s allowance will be entitled to an annual bonus, starting at £125 in 2017/18, paid for by a levy on tobacco firms’ profits.

The bonus would rise to £250 by 2020 as public spending increase in line with economic growth, the Lib Dems said.

The money is aimed at easing the cost of looking after family members who require support for 35 hours or more each week over a 12-month period.

A senior Lib Dem source said: “They can spend that on whatever they like. It’s cash to allow them to take some relief, that could be a short weekend away.”

Under the plans, which will cost £150 million a year in 2017-18, rising to £300 million a year by 2020, more than a million people will benefit from the bonus.

The party’s plan will also involve action to get better trained and paid care staff, ending the situation where vulnerable people can get visits lasting just 15 minutes.

Mr Clegg said: “Currently one in every eight adults across the UK are carers supporting a family member who is older, disabled or seriously ill.

“They are the unsung heroes of British society, quietly going about helping their loved ones without seeking favour or thanks for their kindness.

“But more needs to be done to help carers get the support they deserve.

“Whilst the Care Act introduced by the Liberal Democrats ensured £400 million was given to the NHS dedicated to helping carers take much-needed breaks, we want to go much further.

“Our new £150 million Carer’s Package will ensure society pays back the service that carers give to their loved ones and the community, easing the pressure they are under, and providing the support needed to live happier, more fulfilling lives.”