In response, Emily Holzhausen OBE, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Carers UK, said:

“It is heartening to see that the quality of some care services is improving in response to inspection and regulation.

However, we are gravely concerned by the strain placed on the NHS and social care, which has resulted in reduced services, longer waiting times, fewer families receiving support, and an added pressure on beds affecting hospital discharge.

Carers UK sees first-hand the pressure this places on families, affecting work, health, and relationships.  We know that access to good quality care affords carers with peace of mind, especially when arranging the respite which is often integral to their own continued physical and mental wellbeing. Yet, our own research shows that one in four (25%) carers have not had a break in five years.

This is not sustainable for families, now or into the future. There is even greater urgency for Government to bring forward a settlement for social care for the short, medium and long-term.”