Hustings at a Carer’s Forum

On Wednesday I took part in a hustings with the Labour party candidate for Gateshead and the Lib Dem candidate for Blaydon. I worked on Iain Duncan Smiths Social Justice Policy group and researched the need for carers reform in 2007. David Cameron understands the strains of caring due to his own experience with his son. The policy group recommended to the Conservative party greater support and reform to provide respite care so that carers can take a break and still feel they can go on caring. There was also recognition of the fact that Carer’s Allowance is too low and rules must change so it can be claimed along side other benefits such as pensions. We all know money is tight in the budget right now. However, I sense the carer lobby will make progress if we can achieve a cross party consensus in supporting the ever growing number of carers in our society.