The Government has unveiled a major overhaul to help millions of unpaid carers in England access financial support, NHS services, and workplace rights sooner. Around one in 10 people in England is an unpaid carer, yet ministers say many go unnoticed, missing out on benefits, struggling to stay in work, and sacrificing their own health while caring for loved ones.
New Action Plan Priorities
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Department of Health have developed a cross-government action plan built around three priorities: recognising carers, referring them to support, and helping them reach their potential. The plan includes 42 measures spanning health, education, employment, social care, and the benefits system.
Key Changes: NHS App and Single Patient Record
Among the biggest changes, unpaid carers will be able to register their caring role through the NHS App, allowing healthcare professionals to identify them quickly and involve them in care decisions. A new single patient record will prevent carers from repeatedly explaining the same information to different NHS and care services, streamlining appointment management and prescriptions.
Dedicated Information Hub and Carers' Charter
The Government will launch a dedicated GOV.UK information hub this summer, bringing together guidance on benefits, health, employment, and social care in one place for the first time. A new carers' charter will also be published, setting out people's rights and entitlements.
Employer and School Support
Employers with more than 250 staff will be expected to improve support for unpaid carers from spring 2027, helping more people balance work and caring responsibilities. Young carers will receive earlier support, with schools expected to identify them more quickly and monitor attendance to prevent them from falling behind in education.
Ministerial Statements
Care Minister Stephen Kinnock said: "Unpaid carers make an extraordinary contribution in our communities, caring for loved ones, often putting the needs of others before their own, and we owe them a debt of gratitude for all they do. But too many still go unseen, struggle to find support or feel caring has held back their own health, education, work or retirement. Our action plan is addressing some of these challenges and is focused on helping carers reach their potential in education or work. To all unpaid and young carers across the country - this government values your contribution and is committed to building a system that recognises and supports you."
Financial Improvements
The Government has already increased the Carer's Allowance earnings limit by more than £2,750 over the past two years, the biggest rise since the 1970s. Around 1.1 million unpaid carers receive an extra £2,500 a year through the carer element of Universal Credit and the carer addition in Pension Credit. Meanwhile, the Department for Business and Trade is consulting on proposals to introduce paid carer's leave and a right for people to return to work after a period of intensive caring.
Charity Responses
Kirsty McHugh, chief executive of Carers Trust, said the strategy had "the right aims" by making it easier for carers to be identified and supported, but said it must now deliver "tangible change" backed by sustained investment. Emily Holzhausen, director of policy and public affairs at Carers UK, said the plan recognised that carers often face "fragmented services, barriers to support and a lack of recognition" despite the essential role they play. Age UK's charity director Caroline Abrahams described the package as "a significant step forward", particularly proposals to ensure unpaid carers are fully involved when patients are discharged from hospital.
Context: Adult Social Care Commission
The announcement comes as Baroness Casey's independent commission on adult social care continues its work examining the future of the care system, including the role and needs of unpaid carers, with initial recommendations expected later this year.
