Funding at breaking point

September 2009

Carers organisations have written to the chief executive of the NHS to ask where £150 million promised for carers' breaks has gone. They are worried that the money - outlined in June 2008 in the national carers' strategy - is not being used for its intended purpose.

Research carried out by Carers UK found that PCTs were still unaware of the funding, unclear about how much had been allocated to them, or denied having any new money allocated.

Mencap's breaking point campaign showed how 8 out of 10 parents and carers are being stretched beyond their limits in trying to care for their loved ones. The funding for breaks set out in the national carers strategy was seen as a key part of the support for carers.

• Read about the Breaking Point campaign
• Find out about the reaction by Carers UK