“If we are to achieve our aspirations for all unpaid carers, who are needed in increasing numbers to address the rise in those needing care, and ensure caring doesn’t impact on a carer’s health and wellbeing, we must tackle wider issues within adult social care services."
Responding to Carers UK research on the mental health of unpaid carers: Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board said: “This research is incredibly concerning. Unpaid carers provide vital support for thousands of people every day, which councils fully recognise and want to help in any way they can.
“If we are to achieve our aspirations for all unpaid carers, who are needed in increasing numbers to address the rise in those needing care, and ensure caring doesn’t impact on a carer’s health and wellbeing, we must tackle wider issues within adult social care services.
“Councils have worked hard to try and reduce costs but immediate investment is needed in the Autumn Statement to address unmet and under-met need and ensure timely access to social care for all who need it.”
Notes to editors
The LGA’s Autumn Statement submission warns that councils in England face a funding gap of £4 billion over the next two years. In its submission to the Chancellor, the LGA said the Government needs to provide immediate funding so councils can deliver the 2023/24 budgets they set this year and ensure that councils have sufficient resources to set balanced budgets next year without having to make drastic cuts to services. It is accompanied by appendices on key areas of council activity that are experiencing sharp financial and/or demand pressures (adult social care, children’s services and housing and homelessness support).