Supporting Carers: investing in human values to stergthen the NHS & Social care

It’s often said – and rightly so – that family carers are vital and deeply valued. But there’s a crucial point often overlooked: in this country, becoming a carer is a choice, not a legal obligation. The Care Act 2014 mandates that the government meets the needs of its people, yet countless individuals willingly take on the role of being carers for their loved ones, sparing the state the full responsibility. 

This selfless decision deserves recognition and respect, as carers provide an invaluable service, saving the UK a staggering £162 billion each year – that’s £445 million a day (Petrillo and Bennett, 2023; Carers UK).

Given this, why do we continually declare that carers are essential – both socially and economically – yet invest so little in their support? The government’s expenditure on carer’s allowance amounts to just £3.8 billion annually, a stark contrast to the immense value carers provide. This discrepancy highlights a lack of real commitment to those who shoulder the burden. The rhetoric is there, but where is the substantial, practical support?

Many will appreciate the promised increase in carer’s allowance, but let’s be realistic – it feels more like a token gesture. Time and again, it seems society values people only when they’re seen as economically productive – when they’re working and paying taxes. For carers and disabled individuals, many of whom contribute through voluntary work or other means, the message remains the same: they are seen as dependent on the rest of the population rather than valued contributors.

Fortunately, solutions do exist. A good start would be to make meaningful improvements to carer’s leave. Currently, the much-celebrated legislation only grants the right to request leave, not the right to take it, leaving employers free to refuse on business grounds. Is this truly helpful? Any conscientious employer should already grant leave in such situations. Real value for carers would mean strengthening this legislation, allowing leave by default unless there are significant business concerns. This would demonstrate a genuine respect for carers’ contributions.

Similarly, our NHS is under immense strain, partly due to a shortage of hospital beds. A key factor contributing to this shortage is what’s often termed ‘bed-blocking,’ where patients remain in hospital simply because there is insufficient community care available. Introducing essential paid carers' leave could help address this issue. Under the Care Act, local authorities already bear the financial responsibility of providing up to six weeks of free respite care. So, rather than putting further pressure on stretched public services, why not empower carers to take paid time off work to support their loved ones? This could significantly ease the burden on the NHS and encourage family cohesion by strengthening familial responsibilities and bringing family values back into the heart of care.

Another way to improve conditions would be to ensure carers receive fair financial recognition for the invaluable work they do. Despite recent increases in carers’ benefits, these adjustments feel more symbolic than substantial, given the immense savings carers provide the UK government. Often, the response is, “Where would the money come from?” But this is a matter of shifting perspectives. Under the Care Act, family members are permitted to provide care and receive compensation under certain conditions. A relaxation of these rules could make a real difference. Too often, local authorities’ interpretations vary, despite landmark judicial rulings – such as the Suffolk case – affirming that, at times, a family member may be the best-suited person to deliver care. This approach would address two concerns: the shortage of trained, reliable care staff (often a reason families choose to provide care themselves) and the lack of adequate financial support for family carers.

One aspect that has long puzzled me – and which I’ll look into further – is why providing benefits to those in need is frequently perceived negatively. Society seldom seems to acknowledge the value of these contributions or the benefits they bring to our systems. When people dedicate themselves to caring for others, there are cost benefits to the economy. Moreover, any financial assistance given to carers is, naturally, reinvested into society through daily living expenses, which in turn supports both businesses and tax revenue.

Beyond the financial and political discussions, however, lies a deeper question about our human values. Are these values not worthy of recognition in themselves? Perhaps a nation should be defined not solely by its economic might, but by the respect it shows for individuals who bring value and dignity to the lives of others.