Greg Mulholland MP for Leeds North West yesterday heaped pressure on Minister of State for Health Phil Hope MP to come up with a timetable for the planned changes in carers benefit reform.
Speaking in a debate, held appropriately during Carers UK week, Mr Mulholland paid tribute to the work done by Britain's approximately 6 million carers and challenged the minister to improve the carers benefits system.
Commenting, Mr Mulholland said;
"The six million carers in the UK save the NHS approximately £87 billion. That is a staggering figure and yet figures from a Carer UK survey show that more than half of all carers have suffered from a stress related illness.
Clearly this shows that there is currently inadequate support for these people who are providing such a valuable service to society. The health needs of carers must be taken more seriously by this Government.
Whilst I welcome the £150 million that the minister has announced will be earmarked for primary care trusts to spend on respite for carers I have challenged Mr Hope to introduce a timetable by which carers can expect to see real change in the levels of support they are offered."
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