Carers Bill Wins Government Backing

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 31st Mar 2004

Paul Burstow, MP for Sutton and Cheam, today welcomed the news that after months of negotiation and anxious waiting, the Government has announced its support for the Carers (Equal Opportunities) Bill. Paul Burstow was at the forefront of a small group of MPs championing this Bill which will benefit Sutton's 16,000 carers.

Stephen Ladyman MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Community Care earlier today gave his commitment to the Bill, which will give carers new rights and opportunities for work, education and life-long learning.

Throughout the procedures Government had constantly recognised the importance of carers, but had concerns about its implementation, making its success uncertain. With goodwill and compromise there is now legislation which will bring about a real culture change for the UK's six million carers.

The Bill has the support of all political parties, some 200 supporting organisations and the backing of British Gas - a company at the forefront of supporting carers by providing positive employment policies to help them combine work with care.

Paul Burstow MP commented:

"This is a really important day for carers as it brings the prospect of vital new rights for carers ever closer. The right to receive information about carers' assessments at the right time is crucial, as are opportunities that so many people take for granted - to work, learn and to have a break."