BRAKE URGES CARERS TO 'CARE FOR THEIR INCOMES AND PENSIONS'
December 1, 2009 4:26 PM
Tom Brake MP for Carshalton and Wallington added his support to Carers UK's national carers' rights campaign on Friday 4th December 2009.
At present there are over six million unpaid carers in the UK who provide care and support to family, friends and neighbours, providing unpaid care worth an estimated £87 billion each year. The Carers Rights Day campaign, run by Carers UK, seeks to increase the take-up of benefits and raise awareness of carers' rights and the support that they may be able to get in order to protect their pensions. It might be the Carer's Allowance, council tax discount, Pension Credit or Housing Benefit that makes a difference.
Speaking about the campaign Tom said: "It's a real concern that carers across the UK who fulfil such a vital role, including here in Sutton, may not be getting all the help they are entitled to. It is very important that carers are given information about their rights so they can get the support they need and to plan for their futures.
This Friday Sutton Carers Centre will be outside Boots on Sutton High Street with information for carers. Staff from the group will be there between 10am and 12.30 handing out advice leaflets and speaking to local people. Tom will also be meeting local carers from 10- 10.30 on the High Street.
To coincide with Carers Rights Day, Carers UK is publishing two new resources to help carers with advice, Caring about your pension and Looking after someone: A carer's guide to rights and entitlements.
Carers can order them in a number of ways:
• Visit www.carersuk.org
• Call Carers UK's freephone hotline on 0808 808 7777
• Email adviceline@carersuk.org.
• Visit any Lloydspharmacy store. To find local stores visit www.loydspharmacy.com
Imelda Redmond, the charty's Chief Executive said, "Many people assume that we will all automatically get a state pension, but you don't. Pensions are built up from National Insurance contributions over the years. Many carers haven't been able to make those contributions because of gaps in paid work and, despite their huge contribution to our society, there is a real risk that they will end up with smaller pensions in their retirement. That is why it is so important they get advice and take steps to protect their pensions."
Tom and Paul Burstow MP for Sutton and Cheam will also be tabling an Early Day Motion (EDM) in support of the work of the Sutton Carers Centre this Carers Rights Day.
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