Lib Dem Carer’s Bonus of up to £250 for Britain’s “unsung heroes” is a good start says Woking candidate

750 people in Woking will receive a bonus worth up to £250-a-year under a Liberal Democrat plan, it has been announced.

The no strings attached Carer's Bonus will help more than one million people who look after disabled loved-ones.

The annual payment will help full-time carers get a bit of extra help and recognises the invaluable contribution they make to society.

Woking Liberal Democrat's Parliamentary spokesperson Chris Took said:

"I know from personal experience the incredible job so many carers do in this country. They are Britain's unsung heroes."

"As our population gets older it is estimated 60% of us will, at some point, find ourselves caring for someone else - an elderly relative, a sick child, a friend who needs our support."

"I'm more than aware that £250 doesn't begin to cover the incredible work that is done by more than 1 million people but it does afford carers the opportunity of a break which is, quite frankly, essential."

"It's completely up to the carers themselves how they spend it - it's a no strings attached bonus from a party that is grateful for the superhuman work they do."

The bonus would be worth £125 at the start of the next parliament and would rise to £250-a-year by 2020, with around 1.1 million people eligible.

The annual bonus would be available to anyone who receives the Carer's Allowance or the Carer's Premium.

Liberal Democrat Care Minister, Norman Lamb added:

"We know how hard carers work and that one of the most important things to them is getting a break every now again.

"It is why the Liberal Democrats will introduce this Carer's Bonus if we are in government again after the General Election.

"But it's not for us to dictate to them what they do with it - carers know best how to spend the money in the way that will most benefit them and the people they care for."

The pledge follows a number of measures introduced by the Coalition Government to support carers.

Successive Liberal Democrat Care Ministers Paul Burstow and Norman Lamb have led the work to better provide for Britain's unsung heroes.

In Government the party has secured £800 million to fund short breaks for disabled children and their families.

Around £400 million has been set aside to support carers to take breaks from caring responsibilities.

While £3 million has been allocated to improve awareness and understanding about carers among health workers.

Former Care Minister Paul Burstow MP said:

"Carers are the backbone of our health and care system.

"In my work developing the party's response to the challenges and opportunities of our ageing society, I have been determined that we do more to support carers.

"The Carer's Bonus recognises the contribution carers make day in day out. I am delighted Nick is signalling carers as a priority for our party."