News Release

5th December 2005

CARERS' RIGHTS

Michael Fabricant is supporting a national campaign to ensure that carers are aware of their rights and entitlements. The campaign, run by Carers UK, seeks to increase the take-up of benefits and raise awareness of carer's rights and the support that they might be able to get.

Michael says, "It is vital that carers in Burntwood and Lichfield and elsewhere claim the benefits to which they are entitled. We know that between 40 and 60% of benefits go unclaimed and this could be providing vital income as well as protecting carer's pensions in retirement. This is key issue to avoid poverty and hardship now and the future, particularly for women.

"Research by Carers UK shows us that older carers face particular hardship through missing out on work opportunities, often having to retire early because of their caring role, and not having the opportunity to top up their pension with a part time job. It is vital that carers know their rights to benefits such as Pension Credit, to ensure that they get the support they need."

There are over six million carers in the UK, who provide essential support, saving the country £57 billion each year, equivalent to the cost of the NHS. Every year over 2.3 million people become carers. Many of these people remain unaware of the benefits and services that are available to them.

Michael adds, "It's a real concern that carers in the West Midlands may not be getting all the help they are entitled to. Carers need support - they save the country a fortune and without them, the NHS and social care system would collapse. Research has shown that many carers are living in poverty where they, and it is vital that they are given information about their rights so that they get the support they need."