SUPPORT FOR CARERS

That this House notes the dedication of the many thousands of carers in the UK, valued commercially at an estimated £5 billion a year to the health industry; recognises that the Carer's Allowance, which is the main benefit given to carers, is just £50 a week; expresses concern that some carers, including those aged over 65 years or suffering from illness, are excluded from receiving any carer's benefit altogether; is alarmed by the fact that one in five carers was forced to give up their work because of a loss of essential income; and urges the Government to review the benefits received by carers to ensure that they are given a fair deal.