I want to share a story close to my heart. My sister is a dedicated carer for our father, providing endless love and support. Yet, in return for her tireless dedication, she receives only £83 a week. This is an unfair reality faced by many family carers across the UK.

The current system is deeply flawed. While family carers are paid £83, the family member they care for loses £73 from their housing benefit. In stark contrast, when local authorities provide care, they pay around £800-£900 a week to a care company. This significant disparity not only undervalues the efforts of family carers but also financially strains families who choose to provide care at home.

Family carers save the government millions of pounds each year by providing care that would otherwise need to be sourced from professional services. They offer emotional and personalized care that cannot be priced. It is past time that their work was recognized and properly compensated.

We urge policymakers to review and revise the current benefit system. Increasing the allowance for family carers to reflect the invaluable service they provide, without deducting from the benefits of the person they care for, is crucial. This change will not only support carers like my sister but also encourage more families to provide care in a loving home environment.

Please sign this petition to call for a fair and just consideration for family carers. Your support can significantly impact their lives and push for an equitable system that rewards the dedication and love involved in caring for a family member.