Calls for an extra £20 a week for carers backed by Hinckley and Bosworth Council

The motion was tabled by Liberal Democrat councillors at a meeting last night. It's part of a national campaign to get the government to raise the carers allowance.

Currently unpaid carers receive £67.25 a week from the government, making it the lowest benefit of its kind. 

According to the motion, proposed by Councillor Michael Mullaney, there are over 1,100 unpaid carers in the Hinckley and Bosworth area who rely on the weekly payment. 

A former carer himself, Mr Mullaney said, "Carers do an amazing job at any time but during the Covid19 pandemic they have had to care under even more challenging conditions.

"With it being nearly a year now since the first lockdown began many carers have been caring without a break for nearly a year and many are physically and mentally exhausted."

Seconding the motion Liberal Democrat Councillor for Newbold Verdon with Desford and Peckleton Mark Sheppard-Bools said,

"Far from being a 'Top Up Benefit' the Carers Allowance is a lifeline for many. Studies show carers spend more on food, heating and transport and yet save the NHS £119 billion pounds a year."