The NHS needs to invest more in support services targeted at carers, a campaigns group has said.
A representative of Carers UK said that a lack of government money was a "real problem" for many families who are "struggling to cope".
Data released by The Princess Royal Trust for Carers and Crossroads Care earlier this week found that only £10 million of the £50 million that has been allocated for the services so far has been spent on carers.
Some NHS trusts were revealed by the research to be investing the money elsewhere.
Support services are vital for many UK families, as they help to mitigate the overall cost burden of caring for an elderly relative.
Equity release plans, pensions and cash savings can also be used to pay for these expenses.
Emily Holzhausen, director of policy at Carers UK, said: "The fact that the money is not being spent is a real problem for families who are struggling to cope with caring day in, day out.
"It tells carers that although something has been announced at a national level, actually local services aren’t interested in their needs and supporting them in the way that might be envisaged nationally."
The government originally pledged a total of £150 million to carer support services for the 2009-11 period.
Posted by Tom Papworth
