The Government has unveiled a new action plan aimed at improving support for England’s millions of unpaid carers, with measures designed to make caring easier to balance with work, education and everyday life.
The plan recognises the vital role played by unpaid carers, who provide support to family members, friends and neighbours, while acknowledging that many face significant financial, physical and emotional pressures.
Ministers estimate that nearly one in 10 people are unpaid carers, with around 1.4 million in England providing more than 50 hours of care each week. The Government says these contributions underpin the health and social care system but that carers too often face fragmented services, barriers to support and a lack of recognition.
The strategy, led jointly by the Departments of Health and Social Care, Work and Pensions, Education, and Business and Trade, is built around three priorities – recognising unpaid carers, referring them to the right support, and helping them reach their full potential.
Health services will play a central role under the proposals. The Government says a new “MyCarer” section will be introduced within the NHS App to make carers more visible to healthcare professionals and improve access to information and support. Unpaid carers will also be more closely involved in care planning as part of wider reforms set out in the NHS 10 Year Health Plan.
The action plan builds on a series of recent policy changes, including a significant increase to the Carer’s Allowance earnings limit, which rose from £151 to £204 a week in April 2025. Ministers say the change, the largest cash increase since the benefit was introduced in 1976, will enable more than 60,000 additional people to claim Carer’s Allowance by 2030.
The Government is also reviewing employment rights for unpaid carers, with a public consultation currently under way. Meanwhile, the Employment Rights Act 2025 includes measures to strengthen flexible working arrangements, while large employers will be expected to develop action plans showing how they support staff with caring responsibilities from 2027.
Young carers are also a key focus. Annual school data will continue to monitor attendance, exclusions and educational attainment among young carers, helping shape wider reforms to children’s social care and education.
In the foreword to the plan, Care Minister Stephen Kinnock said unpaid carers formed ‘a core part of our communities’ and deserved greater recognition and better support.
The Government stressed that delivering meaningful change would require collaboration between central government, local authorities, employers, schools, health services, charities and community organisations. It said the action plan is intended to create a more joined-up system that helps unpaid carers access support earlier, improve their wellbeing and continue caring without sacrificing their own health, employment or education.
Photo: Ben White
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