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Carers Grant
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Last modified date:7 January 2008
The Government recognises that caring can have a negative impact on a person’s health and well-being. This is why it introduced the Carers Grant in 1999 to help councils to provide breaks and services for carers in England.
Carers Grant details and guidance
We introduced the Carers Grant in 1999 in recognition of the support carers need for breaks and services. The grant is worth £185m in 2007-08 and £224m in 2008-09 which includes £25m which councils can use to provide emergency cover for carers. From 2008, the Grant will be paid to councils as part of the Area Based Grant. Details of allocations can be found in LASSL 2007(2).
This continued funding means that, by March 2009, we will have invested over £1.2 billion which councils can use to support carers. The grant is set to continue throughout the next spending review period.
Flexibility and performance management of local councils
The Carers Grant is no longer ring fenced though it does remain targeted. This is part of an overall government initiative to support councils’ needs for the flexibility and freedom to focus on their key targets.
The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) ensures that carers’ support is sustainable by monitoring the performance of the councils.
Additional links
Data on support for carers
The NHS Information Centre provides data on support provided to carers by councils.
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