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<p>The Government recognises the invaluable contribution made by unpaid carers and
the importance of supporting them in their caring roles. We are also aware that caring
for people with cancer and other illnesses or disabilities can have significant financial
implications both for those involved and wider society, for example, the Government,
Carers UK and business representatives worked together to produce the <em>Supporting
Working Carers </em>report of 2013, which estimated the costs to the exchequer of
carers being unable to continue working at £1.3 billion a year.</p><p> </p><p>That
is why we continue to support implementation of the improved rights for carers that
were enshrined in The Care Act 2014. On the appearance of needs for support, carers
have a right to an assessment that will look at a carer’s wellbeing and what support
they may need in their caring role. The Department has provided £104 million of funding
to local authorities for these rights in 2015/16.</p><p> </p><p>We also made an additional
£400 million available to the National Health Service between 2011 and 2015 to provide
carers with breaks from their caring responsibilities to sustain them in their caring
role. The Better Care Fund includes £130 million of funding for carers’ breaks in
2015/16.</p><p> </p><p>In 2015 the Government extended to carers a right to request
flexible working arrangements, and this helps those carers who wish to balance work
and care. We are also funding a £1.6 million pilot project to explore how technology
can be combined with professional support from the local authority and the assistance
of informal networks to ease the pressure of caring.</p><p> </p><p>The Department
is also leading the development of a new cross-Government National Carers Strategy
that will look at what more we can do to support existing carers and future carers.</p><p>
</p><p>We are also aware that the right support for the person they care for is crucial
to improving outcomes for carers. The Independent Cancer Taskforce published its report,
<em>Achieving World-Class Cancer Outcomes</em>, in July 2015. It recommended improvements
across the cancer pathway, including on patient experience, support, and quality of
life. NHS England is currently working with partners across the health system to determine
how best to take forward these recommendations.</p><p> </p><p>As part of our approach
to support people living with and beyond cancer, we announced in September 2015 that,
by 2020, the 280,000 people diagnosed with cancer every year will benefit from a tailored
recovery package. These recovery packages, developed in partnership with Macmillan
Cancer Support, will be individually designed to help each person live well beyond
cancer, including elements such as physical activity programmes, psychological support
and practical advice about returning to work.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>
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