Two thirds of carer support applications rejected by council

New data has revealed two thirds of unpaid carer support applications are rejected by a council as pressures faced by carers ramp up.

The new research – by retirement living marketplace Lottie – has revealed that the applications for carer support rejected by Bromley council included applications for financial support, local authority commissioned support and signposting to useful information and advice.

This comes as pressures on unpaid carers skyrocket across the country.

Lottie’s research shows that the average unpaid carer is out of pocket by £2,494 a year due to the costs of caring – even with the additional benefit of receiving Carer’s Allowance. 

This includes expenses like travel, household bills, and any equipment needed.

Across the last month, the company’s analysis into carer’s online habits found a 5,000 per cent increase in online searches for “carers support grant budget 2024” and “carer payment eligibility”, followed by a 100 per cent increase in online searches for “carer support groups near me”.

Unpaid carers will not see significant government support from the latest measures announced in Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s  Autumn Statement.

For 2023 and 2024, the Carer’s Allowance rate is £76.75 a week for those who undertake at least 35 hours of care a week but earn less than £139 a week – which works out to just more than £2 an hour.

The allowance is also taxable to any carer that has another source of income, like money from pensions.

Will Donnelly, co-founder of Lottie, said:  “The lack of financial resources, practical assistance, and emotional support available to carers across the UK is exacerbating the caregiving crisis facing our nation.

“In the run up to the festive season, we’ve seen a surge in unpaid carers across the country, actively searching for emotional, financial and practical support. 

“Carers are desperately seeking for support to act as a lifeline during an extremely difficult time – and this is unacceptable.

“It is crucial the challenges faced by unpaid carers each day are addressed and eased – starting with tackling the issue of unequal carer support discrepancies across the UK.” 

Lottie are running their second year of Nights on Lottie Pledge –  supported by The Care Workers Charity.

This year’s Night’s On Lottie will be a carers Christmas giveaway for carers to win prizes – from theatre tickets to Sainsbury’s vouchers – worth up to £250 between December 5, and 15.

Entries for carers to nominate themselves are open now and will close on December 3.

Bromley council and the Department for Health and Social Care have been approached for comment.

(Picture: Pixabay)