'Give Oldham carers a break' - Lib-Dems plea

The Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to “give carers a break”, by giving councils immediate emergency funding so they can provide the support services unpaid carers need to take a weekly break.

More than 24,000 people in Oldham are looking after elderly, disabled or vulnerable people during the Covid pandemic.

In a letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, Ed Davey highlights research from Carers UK showing that nationally:

64% of carers have not been able to take any breaks from their caring role during the pandemic,

74% feel exhausted and worn out as a result of caring during Covid, and

44% say they are reaching breaking point.

The Liberal Democrats are calling on the Chancellor to provide local authorities with emergency funding in his Budget on March 3 at the latest.

Launching the campaign, Liberal Democrat Leader Mr Davey said: ”Our wonderful carers deserve more support, but they are too often forgotten and ignored by people in power.

"The Chancellor mustn’t ignore carers any longer.

"He must provide local councils with emergency funding now, to finally give carers a break.

“Liberal Democrats are working to build a more caring society as we emerge from this pandemic.”

Local Liberal Democrat Councillor Sam Al-Hamdani added: “People in Oldham looking after their loved ones are doing a remarkable and important job in very difficult circumstances.

“Oldham’s unpaid carers have taken on dramatically increased caring responsibilities during this pandemic.

"Most haven’t been able to take a single break since the pandemic started. Most are simply exhausted.

“Liberal Democrats are standing up for carers and calling on the Government to give them a break.”

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.