Carers Week is an annual week of recognition and appreciation for the invaluable contribution made by unpaid carers across the country. Carers are the backbone of our social care system and our local communities, offering unwavering dedication to ensure that their loved ones with disabilities or illnesses are able to live with dignity and respect.

However, despite their crucial role, unpaid carers often face significant challenges and struggles. Many have to juggle caring responsibilities with work and personal commitments, while also dealing with financial strain. The current carers allowance rate is far below the minimum wage and has not been appropriately updated in years, leaving many carers struggling to make ends meet.

This is simply unacceptable. The government must take urgent action and address this issue. We cannot continue to overlook the role that carers play in our society and the need to support them. As we approach Carers Week, I call on the government to fix the uprate anomaly, matching carers’ allowance rates to recent minimum wage increases.

It is time to recognise and appreciate the incredible dedication and sacrifices of our unpaid carers. This year’s Carers Week provides an opportunity to show them the support and recognition they deserve. It is time to take action and ensure that they are not left behind.