Trust backs Credits for Caring scheme
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers is backing the introduction of a new Credits for Caring scheme that would transform how carers receive support, in a report to be published this week.
Under the scheme, carers would earn credits depending on the amount of care they provide and will be able to use these credits to purchase services.
Carers have long complained the more they give, the less they seem to get in return. But the Credits for Caring scheme would mean carers get more credits when they provide more care.
Currently, the more care a carer provides, the less social services give in terms of support for the person receiving care.
Director of Policy at The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, Alex Fox, confirmed The Trust will submit its report to government as part of its response to the proposals in the social care green paper.
"The social care system depends on the free care and support provided by family and friends, yet gives very little in terms of support and recognition for this. Our new proposals will ensure that carers can get the support that they need to help them manage their caring responsibilities.
"Our report will also show that supporting carers can reduce admissions to residential care which currently accounts for over half of all social care spending. Savings by reducing social care admissions could partly fund a credit for caring scheme that will give carers a chance to have a life of their own as well as caring."
The report will outline how a combination of existing public funding and savings could create a scheme worth £1billion for carers in England.
The full report will be published later this week, building on a proposal in the green paper that suggests carers could pay less than other people for social care in the future.
A recent National Voices Social Care Survey found that 57% of people agreed that carers should pay less for their own care and support, in recognition of the massive in-kind contribution they make.
Carers can put their questions to Carers Minister Phil Hope in our exclusive Q&A. Mr Hope will be publishing his responses at 4:30pm today.
Published: 9 November 2009