CARERS NEED MORE CASH, MORE QUICKLY - BURT

4.23.10pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 16th Jun 2009

Speaking from Westminster today, Solihull's MP, Lorely Burt marked the end of Carers Week with a passionate plea for more money to support the work of carers in the borough.

"There are thousands of people in Solihull who sacrifice their time - and often their health, finances, work and social life - in order to care for a loved one. They deserve to be paid fairly for the priceless contribution they make," said Mrs Burt.

She conveyed the frustration of many carers in Solihull who feel they get little support in their role, saying they cannot wait ten years for the Government's strategy to be completed.

"Carers are the fourth emergency service. Without the millions of individuals who give up their time, jobs and savings the public services would not be able to cope.

"Unfortunately the Government's treatment of these dedicated, compassionate people does not reflect their value in human or monetary terms.

"Carers need, let alone deserve, much more than £53 a week. But they cannot wait until 2018 for that," added Lorely.