Thank you for contacting me about unpaid carers and their contribution to the COVID-19 response.
Over 200,000 people in Wales have stepped up to provide care during the COVID-19 pandemic, and I want to thank all those who have done so during this difficult time.
My colleagues and I in the Welsh Conservatives recognise the tireless efforts of unpaid carers and the amount of time and money they save the health and social care services through their absolute dedication. It is only right that Welsh Government supports unpaid carers, not only during this challenging time, but beyond.
While I am pleased that the Welsh Government has launched a Carers Support Fund to help Wales’ unpaid carers cope with the financial pressures of COVID-19, I am concerned that other areas, such as respite care, have been severely disrupted, and that few carers recognise their entitlements.
Across the UK, existing support will remain available, including the Carer’s Allowance. I know that UK Government Ministers have committed to regularly updating the online guidance for unpaid carers, and I will continue to monitor progress in this area.
Overall, Welsh Conservatives recognise that social care has to be put on a more sustainable footing going forwards.
We therefore want to see a cross-party solution to ensure that this could be achieved and will continue to raise the issues you highlight with the Welsh Government on this basis.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Yours sincerely
Mark Isherwood
