Unpaid Carers

In a statement delivered in the House of Commons, the minister highlighted the importance of unpaid caregiving and the growing number of individuals taking on this role. The minister noted that caring for loved ones, whether it be an elderly parent or a family member with a long-term illness, is a nearly universal experience. According to the recent census, there are 5.7 million unpaid carers in England and Wales, but research suggests the actual number could be as high as 10.6 million. The minister emphasized that the government should care about carers not only because it is the right thing to do, but also because unpaid carers are vital to the economy and society. The minister pointed out that the number of unpaid carers is expected to increase by 11% by 2035, and as degenerative conditions become more prevalent, the amount of care provided by these individuals is predicted to rise, with many expected to provide more than 35 hours of care each week. The minister acknowledged that being a carer can be a challenging and often unseen role, and that every week in the House of Commons, there are opportunities to learn about and mark national awareness days for different devastating illnesses, each of which has a family member providing care and support. The minister's statement underscored the critical importance of recognizing and supporting the growing number of unpaid carers in the country.