Lib Dems promise Carer’s Bonus of up to £250 for Britain’s “unsung heroes

Carers will receive a bonus worth up to £250-a-year under a Liberal Democrat government, 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.

The proposals build upon what the Liberal Democrats have done so far in the Coalition Government for carers; £800 million to fund short breaks for disabled children and their families, £400 million 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.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said:

"Carers are Britain's unsung heroes. Up and down the country behind closed doors, you'll find a hidden army of carers doing amazing things every day. It is estimated that six in ten of us will at some point in our lives find ourselves caring for someone else - an elderly relative, a sick child, a friend who needs our support.

"These are people who deserve our support even in straightened times, which is why the Liberal Democrat manifesto will include a Carer's Bonus to give them a little extra help. 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.

Local MP, Mark Hunter said:

"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. Helping carers is a priority for the Liberal Democrats."