New Government Carers Action Plan ‘not good enough’, says Rochdale adult care cabinet member

Councillor Iftikhar Ahmed

A new Carers Action Plan launched by the government is ‘not good enough’, says Councillor Iftikhar Ahmed, Rochdale Council’s cabinet member for adult care.

The new two-year plan to support unpaid carers, sets out a programme of work to support unpaid carers ahead of long-term sustainable solutions, which will be set out by a forthcoming social green paper.

Councillor Ahmed said: “The government’s so-called ‘action plan’ is full of warm words but the cold reality is that it offers no increased financial support for carers. 

“That is not good enough, especially as four in ten unpaid carers recently admitted they struggle to meet ends meet. We have 25,000 carers across the borough supporting their loved ones. They need a long-term solution, not a short-term fix.

“On the eve of National Carers Week, it’s time the government matched its fine words with real action and ensured carers are given the financial support their selfless work deserves.”

One in 10 adults in the UK provides unpaid care for a family member or friend who cannot cope without their help because of illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction.

The ageing population means that the number of people in need of care is growing fast, but many carers face barriers because they lack time and energy, or because of a lack of understanding from others.