Press Release

Respite care investment needs close scrutiny

The Government has today (Tuesday 10 June) announced a new National Strategy for Carers, which promises to double the amount spent on respite care over two years.

Reacting to the news, Chris Evans of the MS Society has responsibility for the charity’s four respite centres and said that any new investment in respite care was always welcome but also urged caution.

He added: “The strategy is a step forward for carers and an extra £150million investment in respite care sounds good, but comes with the assumption that the current system is working well.

“To double the current spend suggests the initial £150million is already being used to maximum effect but we are constantly contacted by those who care for people with MS and told that isn’t the case.”

“We need to investigate the detail of the strategy and find out how much of the new investment will actually end up in the hands of those who need it most.”

Read a more in-depth reflection on other points in the strategy.