UK Sees 70% Surge in Unpaid Carers as System Struggles

A new report reveals that the number of unpaid carers in the UK has risen by more than 70% over the last two decades, reaching an alarming total of 1.9 million individuals. This surge highlights significant pressures on the country’s care system, which is struggling to meet the needs of the population. The research, conducted by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the IPPR, indicates that the demand for care has drastically outpaced the supply, leading to a growing crisis for both caregivers and those requiring assistance.

The study shows that the number of individuals providing at least 35 hours of care per week has increased from 1.1 million in the fiscal year 2003/04 to 1.9 million in 2023/24. This situation is exacerbated by funding cuts and a lack of support services.

Martin McGowan and his wife Sue have been caring for each other for nearly three decades due to their complex health issues. Mr. McGowan, aged 72, has faced heart problems since 1995, while his wife, aged 69, has undergone over 30 surgeries for various medical conditions. Their reliance on local authorities for care has been minimal, as they have witnessed a steady decline in available services over the years.

“My wife used to go to day groups that were useful and very helpful for her, but they were all cut down,” Mr. McGowan lamented. “It’s been cut right across the board; we’ve watched everything be knocked out over the last 30 years. It’s crazy.” He emphasized the disconnect between government discussions about community care and the reality of dwindling support.

The report highlights that requests for support have surged from 1.8 million in 2015/16 to 2.1 million in the current year. The number of working-age adults needing care has increased by 31.5%, placing additional strain on unpaid caregivers, who are often family members.

“I couldn’t be released until the following Thursday or Friday, which means I was blocking a bed which I didn’t need,” Mr. McGowan explained about his experience in the healthcare system. “The systems don’t work; social services don’t operate on Bank Holidays, and there are no carers available.”

In response to these challenges, the report urges the UK government to provide unpaid carers with essential rights, including care leave and income protection as part of a proposed National Care Service (NCS).

Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats and a lifelong carer, shared his perspective on the issue: “Most care happens not in care homes but in people’s homes; provided not by paid care staff but by family members and other loved ones. We don’t talk about it much, but we are a nation of carers.” He emphasized that solutions to the care crisis must extend beyond traditional systems of childcare and social care.

Abby Jitendra, principal policy adviser at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, stated, “Millions of us are carers or need care, and this number will surge in the future. But families are being left to navigate a neglected system.” She called for a care system that operates like a public service, emphasizing the need for reform to create a universal, affordable, reliable, and fair care system.

Dr. Parth Patel, associate director at IPPR, added, “Who will care is one of the great challenges of our age. This is not just a question of tax and spend, but of dignity and mutual obligation.” He highlighted the importance of recognizing the role of caregivers and the need for comprehensive policies that support caregiving.

As the demand for care continues to rise, the findings of this report serve as a call to action for government officials and society to re-evaluate how care is structured and supported in the UK. The future of caregiving depends on addressing these systemic issues to ensure that families can continue to provide essential support to their loved ones.