Carers to receive emergency cash

The money has been set aside from October to help them in emergencies to help people take advantage of free, short-term home-based respite care when they need to take a break.

It forms part of the government’s £25m New Deal for Carers package of support for carers announced by Ivan Lewis, minister for care services, in February.

Cllr John Story, cabinet member for adult services, said: "Within the borough there are many hidden heroes who hold families together through their support and devotion.
"Carers often provide care 24 hours a day, seven days a week, enabling a friend or family member to stay at home and live with the dignity, independence and security the rest of us take for granted."

"We know that carers do not want to give away their family responsibilities. But at the same time they want government and local services on their side to ensure the necessary care and support is available to maintain their family's quality of life.”