Brown comments on new carers strategy

Prime minister Gordon Brown has announced that the consultation on the nation’s carers initiated last June will inform the new carers strategy to be launched by the government.

Speaking at an event attended by health secretary Alan Johnson, health minister Ivan Lewis and over 60 carers, the prime minister reported that over 1,700 ideas had been contributed from carers to the government through a website set up for this purpose.

Additionally many more ideas have been presented at events run by care organisations and the Department of Health, with the government reporting that it is committed to encapsulating the thoughts of carers into any long-term policy on this issue.

Mr Brown said: “Britain’s carers are an immense force and I want to thank them for the tremendous work they do, especially given the huge challenges and pressures they face.”

“What carers throughout the country have told us will form the basis of our new carers strategy.”

The government reports that the strategy will improve support for carers, with a national helpline set up and 25 million pounds of funding available to provide short-term covers during emergencies.

In October 2007, the government outlined the terms of reference of a standing commission investigating the issue of carers in society.