Reactions to the Strategy

Imelda Redmond
Chief Executive of Carers UK
Everyone at Carers UK - staff and Trustees alike - are bitterly disappointed and angry that Carer's Allowance has not been tackled. We have made our views known to the Government both in person and through the media. However there is also much in this Strategy that is welcome. As a statement of intent it represents a monumental culture shift in thinking across the whole of government. There are things in the strategy that would have been unthinkable to carer campaigners even 10 years ago. I have no doubt we are winning the argument. There is also over £250 million of new investment which we welcome. Of course there should be more and we will continue to campaign for more and to work to ensure that vision becomes reality.

Don Brereton
Chair of Trustees of Carers UK
My immediate reactions to the new carers' strategy have been sharp disappointment that any direct financial help must await a benefits review. Despite our frustration about this, can we continue to work positively with Government on the strategy? The answer must be ‘yes’ and there is much positive material to build on. Overall, the strategy is a historic step forward for the carers’ movement. It is a great tribute to all the carers
who contributed to it. We have here a cross government strategy that is signed by seven different government departments. As someone who has worked in Government I know that sort of cross-government consensus is rarely reached and I think it’s a clear demonstration of how far we
have come in placing caring as one of the key challenges of the 21st century.

Lynda Wisbach
Carer and Trustee of Carers UK
I’m very very disappointed. I just think that overall it’s very weak. There’s nothing here about income and yet both Ivan Lewis and Anne McGuire told us they would look at Carer’s Allowance. I really did expect there to be at least something on Carer’s Allowance, even if it was just to raise it to the level of the basic state pension. Instead it’s all just been lumped in with the review of the whole welfare benefits system which could
take years. Carers can’t wait years. Overall, whilst the Strategy does demonstrate a level of understanding that carers need better services and access to information, there is nothing in it about how or when we can expect this to be delivered. From my point of view I don’t think the
Government has listened to carers.

Jill Pay
Carer and Carers UK member
My overwhelming feeling in response to the Strategy is one of disappointment. I find it extraordinary that Gordon Brown can say that Carer’s Allowance is not fit for purpose, but then do nothing about it. I’m holding my breath to find out what happens with the extra respite money because I’m just not sure that the services are available to cope. My daughter’s service certainly doesn’t have the capacity and for some people, there simply are no respite services in the first place. I don’t doubt Ivan Lewis’ commitment and I realise that he said a number of things about not raising expectations but I simply cannot understand how they can listen to all of the heartrending stories that came out at the consultations and not do anything to help those people.

Preethi Manuel
Carer and Carers UK member
It is reassuring to know that carers are being taken seriously at the highest level. It feels as if someone is at last looking into our sad state of affairs. Carers in the report are seen as a diverse group – young carers, older carers, parent carers, black carers etc and this points to a real understanding of the different circumstances carers face. The pledge of £255 million support for carers is laudable but how much of it will have direct impact on the lives of carers? And what is in there for lifetime carers like myself? I would have liked to see the Carer’s Allowance increased and the earnings limit raised to enable me to earn at least £5,000 per year without it affecting my benefits. Do I have to wait till 2018 to be recognised as an equal citizen? I will be ready for retirement.