£33 million has been allocated to support the New Deal which was launched in February 2007.  The National Carers Strategy is being reviewed and carers have been consulted, via the Ideas Tree, for their views.   

The New Deal will cover the whole area of Government responsibility towards carers.  Four task forces will be established which will cover income, employment, health and Social Services and equalities.  The previous National Strategy in 1999 did not address financial issues.

National Helpline for Carers: Up to £3 million

This help/advice line will provide an authoritative source of information on a wide range of carers issues.

Expert Carers programme: £5 million per annum

This will provide vital training to carers – their rights, services available to them, helping to develop their advocacy skills.  The first training is due to take place in Aug 2008.

Emergency Respite Care:

£25 million is to be made available to local authorities in England to help them provide cover for carers when an emergency strikes.  The money is to establish short-term, home based emergency cover for regular and substantial carers.

Emergencies include;

Carers Admission to hospital or other health needs

Family emergency

Real risk to carers employment

Funeral of a close friend or relative

There will be a single phone number for carers to contact. There will be a preplanned care arrangement that can be put in place at short notice which will last for at least 48 hours but should also be capable of being sustained until the carer returns or alternative arrangements can be found.