LIB DEM PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATE CHRISTOPHER TOWNSEND BACKS 'RESPITE FOR CARERS' GUARANTEE

11.00.00pm GMT Tue 23rd Feb 2010

Christopher Townsend, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for South West Hertfordshire, has spoken strongly in favour of his party's promise to guarantee respite for carers who work over 50 hours a week.

Commenting today, he said "many carers in our community work flat out without any time off. They are committed to looking after friends, relatives and loved ones - yet ask for nothing in return."

"Research shows that in Hertfordshire alone the care that unpaid carers provide would cost over £1.2billion to deliver using paid support. It's essential that we give something back."

"The Lib Dems promise to reward carers who work more than 50 hours a week. Our 'respite for carers' pledge will guarantee them a personal budget each year to cover the cost of one week's caring."

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg announced the 'respite for carers' policy on Monday. It will be paid for by redirecting the £420million that Labour has put aside for the Personal Care at Home Bill, and the £100million that is already being allocated to the Government's carers strategy.