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Unpaid Carers: Inequalities
20 November 2025
Lead MP
Anna Dixon
Shipley
Lab
Responding Minister
Stephen Kinnock
Tags
NHSSocial Care
Word Count: 13708
Other Contributors: 12
At a Glance
Anna Dixon raised concerns about unpaid carers: inequalities in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The lead MP asks the Minister to address health inequalities faced by unpaid carers through better data linkage with DWP, use of digital technology for remote consultations, investment in mental health programmes for carers, and funding for short-term breaks. Additionally, she requests swift implementation of recommendations from Liz Sayce's review on carer’s allowance overpayments.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
There are 5.8 million carers in the UK who face significant health and financial inequalities, with many living in poverty and struggling to access benefits they are entitled to. Unpaid carers often have to give up work providing over 50 hours of care per week, leading to a 13% employment gap between working-age carers and non-carers.
Mid Sussex
Welcomes the publication of the terms of reference for the employment rights review but expresses concern over the pace, advocating for paid carer’s leave and stressing the importance of knowing and using carers' rights.
Alison Hume
Lab
Scarborough and Whitby
Ms Hume highlighted the mental health impact on unpaid carers, especially fathers of disabled children, citing university research that more than 40% of parent carers have thought about suicide. She also mentioned the need for better access to financial guidance and simplification of benefit information.
Anna Dixon
Lab
Shipley
Thanked Members for speaking up about their caring experiences and urged the Government to deliver for carers.
Daniel Francis
Lab
Conwy
Inquired about supporting carers managing complex care needs and different hospital systems, highlighting travel distances and app complexities.
West Dunbartonshire
Congratulates the hon. Member for Shipley on securing the debate, highlighting the importance of organisations like Carers of West Dunbartonshire in providing support to unpaid carers.
Ellie Chowns
Green
North Herefordshire
Welcomes the Casey Commission but expresses concern over its delayed reporting. Shares a story about a constituent who moved to care for her mother and faces financial difficulties due to slow administrative processes and inadequate carer’s allowance.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
In Northern Ireland, unpaid carers contribute £5.8 billion annually to the economy, yet many face financial hardship and live in poverty due to insufficient social security payments such as carer’s allowance. Asked the Minister to share thoughts on the neighbourhood health policy with the Northern Ireland Assembly and Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt.
Jonathan Davies
Con
North Herefordshire
Acknowledges the work of unpaid carers in his constituency and highlights specific issues faced by carers including inadequate support from employers, inconsistent policies, and lack of recognition. Discusses the impact of national insurance contributions on charities providing respite care. Raises concerns about the lack of progress in cross-party talks for social care reform.
Honiton and Sidmouth
Mr Foord shared the story of Emma Donovan, who cares for both her parents while running a non-profit and working part-time. He highlighted issues such as constant pressure on carers and inadequate communication from statutory support services. Asked the Minister about his definition of neighbourhood and its recognition of market towns.
Stephen Kinnock
Lab
Blaenau Gwent
Responded to concerns by stating that approximately 50,000 residents would be a starting point for the neighbourhood health service and offered to share documentation with Northern Ireland's Health Minister.
Stuart Andrew
Con
Ribble Valley
The hon. Member for Shipley's debate is timely and overdue, given that unpaid carers are the backbone of our care system but often face great personal cost with little recognition. Highlights the financial burden of national insurance on charities and stresses the importance of finding solutions through cross-party dialogue to improve respite provision and support unpaid carers.
North East Fife
Unpaid care is part of almost all our lives. The Carer's Leave Act 2023, secured by the hon. Member for North East Fife, has been a significant step in supporting carers. Passed a private Member’s Bill for carer's leave to be a day one right and can be taken flexibly, which has cross-party support.
Government Response
Stephen Kinnock
The Minister for Care
Government Response
Acknowledges the role of unpaid carers in sustaining health and wellbeing, commits to listening directly to their needs through discussions during Carers Week. Outlines government plans including personalised care plans, earlier intervention, dedicated sections in the NHS app, increased integration of health and care services, and expanded access to talking therapies. Emphasised the importance of a bottom-up approach to neighbourhood health services, with an increase in adult social care funding. Discussed initiatives such as carer passports, digital proxy access, and support for young carers. Mentioned reforms including the Carer’s Leave Act and plans for paid carer's leave consultations. Highlighted Baroness Casey’s independent commission and a ministerial working group to address unpaid carers' needs. Discussed efforts with local authorities and integrated care boards to ensure statutory duty for carers’ breaks, highlighted cultural shifts in recognition of caring as a shared responsibility, and committed to listening attentively to the voices of carers.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.