London unpaid carers unaware of support are struggling

Experts told City Hall many unpaid carers in London do not know about financial help and services, and Carers UK found 29% of carers in the capital were in poverty in 2021–22.

Unpaid carers in London are being described as "hidden" because many do not realise they are entitled to financial help or local services, experts told a London Assembly committee. About 7.8% of Londoners were providing unpaid care at the time of the 2021 census, and organisations say awareness of entitlements is low. Carers UK reported that 29% of carers in London were in poverty in 2021–22, and some support such as Carer's Allowance and respite care are reported as insufficient. Care organisations and the Mayor's office discussed a possible awareness campaign and existing sources of information such as the Cost of Living Hub. What is known: - Around 7.8% of Londoners provided unpaid care at the 2021 census. - Carers UK reported 29% of carers in London were in poverty in 2021–22 and said 62% of Carer’s Allowance recipients live in poverty. - Carer's Allowance is described in the report as providing up to £83.30 a week, and respite care provision has reduced as local authority budgets have been cut. - Care groups told the committee many people do not recognise themselves as carers, councils sometimes give incorrect information on council tax reductions, and a survey cited by campaigners found 98% of respondents needed help to fill in forms. Summary: Many unpaid carers in London face financial and practical strain in part because they do not know what support they can access and because some services have been reduced. Undetermined at this time.