Informal carers play a vital role in supporting family members, friends and loved ones every day. This summer, several significant developments were announced that could improve how carers are recognised, supported and involved in health and social care services.

A New Government Action Plan for Carers

In July, the government published a new cross-government action plan for unpaid carers, setting out 42 actions across health, social care, education, employment and social security.

The plan focuses on three key priorities:

• Recognising carers
• Referring carers to support services
• Helping carers reach their potential

Key measures include allowing carers to register their role on the NHS App, making carers central to hospital discharge planning, introducing a single patient record to improve information sharing, launching a dedicated carers information page on GOV.UK, and publishing a new Carers’ Charter. There are also plans to strengthen workplace support for carers and improve identification and support for young carers in schools.

Carers Trust welcomed the plan noting “The Plan is a positive step as we await the Casey Commission on social care reform, but it must form part of a longer, more comprehensive shift.” 

Employment and Education Reforms

The Department for Business and Trade has launched a consultation on employment rights for carers, including proposals for paid carer’s leave and a right to return to work following a period of intensive caring.

At the same time, the Work and Pensions Committee has called for the removal of the 21-hour study rule. Currently, carers studying for 21 hours or more each week are unable to claim Carer’s Allowance, leading to concerns that young adult carers may be forced to choose between education and financial support.

Rising Demand for Carer Support

New findings from the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) Spring Survey, underline the growing pressure on carers and support services.

The survey found that:

• 73% of directors reported an increase in demand for support from carers.
• 56% had seen more requests for help following carer breakdown.
• Nearly 8,700 carers are waiting for a carer’s assessment.
• 10% of those waiting have been waiting for more than six months.

While the majority of councils are maintaining or increasing funding for carer services through the Better Care Fund, demand continues to outpace available support in many areas.

What Could Social Care Reform Mean for Carers?

Alongside the government’s action plan, wider social care reforms are being explored through Baroness Casey’s independent commission and proposals championed by Andy Burnham.

For informal carers, these reforms could lead to:

• Better access to formal care services – If more funded care services become available, carers may receive help sooner and more consistently rather than having to provide increasing levels of support themselves.
• More respite and early support before carers reach crisis point – In Greater Manchester, programmes have focused on identifying carers earlier and providing support before they reach crisis point. That approach could be expanded nationally.
• Greater recognition of carers’ contributions – millions of unpaid carers shoulder an enormous burden and the social care reform must work for them as well as the people they support.
• Simpler navigation of health and social care services through better integration and information sharing – Greater integration could mean fewer assessments, better information sharing and a smoother experience for families. 

Looking Ahead

The latest announcements signal growing recognition of the important role informal carers play across the UK. While many of the proposed changes are still in development, they represent a positive step towards better support, stronger rights and improved access to services for carers and the people they care for.
For organisations in the carers sector, the coming months will be an important opportunity to help shape reforms and ensure carers remain at the heart of future policy decisions.

Photo by Centre for Ageing Better on Unsplash