Huhne calls for respite for carers

3.24.12pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 29th Aug 2008

Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne has backed a House of Commons motion calling for respite for carers so that they can at least take a holiday.

Mr Huhne said that there were 5.2 million carers in England looking after the elderly, disabled and children, with more than one million carers providing more than 50 hours of care a week.

"This is an enormous personal commitment for the people involved, and it saves the state about £82 billion a year. Yet two thirds of these carers receive no benefits or financial support, according to research by Carers UK" said Mr Huhne.

Moreover, nearly half of carers have not taken a holiday away from their caring responsibilities in the last year while nearly a quarter have never taken such a holiday, said Mr Huhne.

"This relentless work can turn what is a labour of love into a chore, and it is only fair that carers have a regular break from their dedication" said Mr Huhne.