Respite care investment needs close scrutiny
10 Jun 2008
The Government has today (Tuesday) announced a new National Strategy for Carers, which promises to double the amount spent on respite care over two years.
Chris Evans of the MS Society, who has responsibility for the charity’s four respite centres, 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.”
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.”
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