Burstow urges carers to fight for a fair deal

1.09.05pm UTC (GMT +0000) Sat 23rd Dec 2006

Local MP Paul Burstow has urged Sutton's carers to take part in a study being undertaken by Carers UK into the extra financial costs faced by carers. Mr Burstow recently revealed that there are nearly 16,000 in Sutton borough.

The investigation, called 'A Fair Deal for Carers', will examine the state of carers' finances, quality of life, and how caring has affected their employment and income. Research conducted by the charity shows that carers suffer a heavy financial with a third struggling to pay utility bills and one in five cutting back on food to make ends meet.

Carers UK has issued an online questionnaire for carers to complete about their financial situation. Paul Burstow is calling on local carers to complete the questionnaire at www.carersuk.org before the deadline of 13th January 2007.

Explaining the importance of the investigation, Mr Burstow said:

"Carers suffer heavy financial burdens as a result of choosing to care for someone else and there are still too many barriers preventing them from accessing funding or participating fully in the working world."

"It is vital that carers complete this questionnaire to provide Carers UK with the information needed to make the case for improvements to Ministers."

Notes to Editors:

The questionnaire can be accessed online at http://www.carersuk.org/Newsandcampaigns/Fairdeal.

Alternatively, hard copies can be ordered by emailing Christine.Swarbrick@carersuk.org (up to a maximum of 100).

The deadline for responses is 13th January 2007