§ Linda PerhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he has given to local authorities on providing assistance to home carers. [127793]
§ Dr. LadymanCarers are entitled to an assessment to determine their needs as carers and eligibility for support. The Carers Grant, worth £100 million this year, provides money for local councils to provide short breaks for carers to enable them to continue in their caring role. The Grant will continue until at least 2006, during which time it will increase to £185 million to provide extended care and 130,000 further breaks to carers.
Carers are also entitled to cash payments for carers' services to enable them to purchase the type of support they require and promote a better quality of life.