Government money intended to increase support for the nation’s carers could be better optimised, new research shows.
According to The Princess Royal Trust for Carers and Crossroads Care, 80 per cent of government money intended for carers is not being received.
Instead, many of the Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) are using the public funding for other purposes.
Princess Royal Trust for Carers and Crossroads Care obtained this information through the use of freedom of information requests.
The government originally unveiled its carer funding plan last year, with a total of £150 million to be spent over April 2009 to April 2011.
Carole Cochrane, chief executive at The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, said: "We are alarmed and disappointed at these research findings."
Also responding to the report, care services minister Phil Hope said: "Supporting carers has always been a high priority for this government."
There are currently thought to be around six million carers in the UK.
The burden of care costs can be alleviated by using money from pensions, cash savings and investments, or taking out an equity release plan.
Posted by Richard Planner
