More support for unpaid carers needed, says IPPR

The number of people providing unpaid care has almost doubled in the last two decades.

According to the Institute for Public Policy Research, 1.9 million people now spend 35 hours or more each week caring for loved ones.

That’s up from 1.1 million in 2003-04.

The IPPR points out that much of this unpaid care is being provided by parents, spouses or adult children - and in particular, women.

And while it acknowledges the vital role they play in family communities, it also warns that it’s “being relied upon too heavily” to fill the gaps in social care.

Social care reform must reflect current challenges

The IPPR has acknowledged the government’s commitment to set up a National Care Service.

However, it says this needs to go further than previous reform attempts and reflect three key challenges: an ageing population, a shortage of care workers and a lack of sustainable funding.

As a result, it wants to see greater support for unpaid carers, such as stronger workplace rights, income protection, and access to paid care leave.

The IPPR has also called for a fair funding model, where the state provides more support and people contribute what they can afford, making care affordable for everyone, as well as better pay for care workers.

“We all want and need more care in our lives, yet there are fewer people to provide it,” said Dr Parth Patel, associate director at IPPR.

“Who will care is one of the great challenges of our age. 

“This is not just a question of tax and spend, but of dignity and mutual obligation.”

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, who cares for his teenage son John, added that “tinkering with the formal systems” of childcare and social care isn’t enough to tackle the “care crisis”.

“We need to take a step back as a country and ask some more fundamental questions about how we can better support families,” he said.

Billions in support unclaimed every year

Nearly £24bn in benefits goes unclaimed each year in the UK, according to Policy in Practice. 

And that includes £2.4bn in carer’s allowance.

So instead of helping people like carers, it’s just sitting unused, often because people don’t realise what they’re entitled to or assume they won’t qualify.

At Money Wellness, we want to change that.

If you’re a carer, or know someone who is, our benefits calculator is a great place to start. 

Fill in details of your financial situation and we’ll let you know if you’re missing out on money you’re entitled to.

It’s also worth reading about what financial support is available and how to claim in our benefits for carers guide.