Respite Care
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment has the Department made of adequacy of respite breaks for unpaid carers.
Answered by Stephen Kinnock
The Government recognises the vital role unpaid carers play and is committed to ensuring they have access to the support they need, including opportunities for respite.
Under the Care Act 2014, local authorities have a duty to assess carers who appear to have needs for support and, where eligible needs are identified, to ensure these are met. The act does not require local authorities to provide specific forms of support, such as respite breaks, but authorities should consider the individual circumstances and needs of carers when determining appropriate support.
The Government is making over £4.6 billion of additional funding available for adult social care in 2028/29 compared with 2025/26. Local authorities are responsible for determining how best to use this funding to meet local needs in line with their statutory duties. This will cover the support they provide to unpaid carers, including respite provision.
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