The number of recognised young carers in the UK has risen by more than 10,000 in four years, prompting concerns that they are taking up the slack from increasingly pressured adult social care services.
An analysis of the most recent government figures by The Independent shows that in May 2017 there were 41,870 16-to-24-year-olds who qualified to receive the carer’s allowance, compared with 31,080 in 2013 – an increase of 35 per cent.
Those aged 16 and 17 saw an even bigger rise during the same period – up by 54 per cent from 1,400 to 2,150.
While campaigners welcomed the fact that more young carers are receiving financial support, they warned that cuts to care packages and pressures on adult social care services mean more teenagers and young people are having to sacrifice work and study to care for relatives.
Ms Bennett also raised concerns that the Care Act 2014, which placed a duty on local authorities to consider the needs of children and young people living in households where there is an adult who has a disability or impairment, was not being properly implemented because of a lack of financial resources available.
Nearest tube: Elephant & Castle underground station (Northern and Bakerloo lines).
Nearest Railway Station: Elephant & Castle
Buses from Elephant and Castle: ask bus driver for Burgess Park. Bus numbers: 12, 171, 148, 176, 68, 484, 42, 40, 45