Rethink comment on today’s Carers’ Strategy announcement
In response to Recognised, valued and supported: Next steps for the Carers’ Strategy, Paul Jenkins, chief executive of mental health charity Rethink, said:
“An additional £400 million for respite care will be welcome news to the thousands of carers who devote their lives to caring for people affected by mental illness. However, as it hasn’t been ring-fenced, we hope that the money does actually reach the people for who it was intended.
“We are also pleased to see greater use of personal budgets for carers. There is a risk, however, that in the current cuts climate, very few carers, or the people they care for, will be eligible for a personal budget.
“Many carers have had to give up their jobs in order to carry out their caring duties but many want to work. We would like to see more incentives for businesses to encourage flexible working so that this can be achieved.
“It was disappointing not to see any uplift proposed for Carer’s Allowance. This benefit is still unfit for purpose and is way below the level needed.”
Katie Leason
PR Manager
Rethink
Tel: 020 7840 3138
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89 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7TP. Registered in England Number 1227970. Registered charity no. 271028. Registered Office 89 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7TP. Rethink is the operating name of the National Schizophrenia Fellowship, a company limited by guarantee.
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