More needs to be done to help Hinckley and Bosworth's 10,989 carers – Cllr Michael Mullaney

Speaking to a meeting of local supporters on Friday, which was Carers Rights Day, Hinckley and Bosworth Lib Dem parliamentary spokesman Cllr Michael Mullaney, said more needs to be done to support the 10,989 carers in Hinckley and Bosworth who are the unsung heroes of the system.

Cllr Michael Mullaney said "There are over 10,000 carers in Hinckley and Bosworth and they all do a remarkable job. We need to make sure they receive the support they need.

"Carers contribute so much to our economy and society, we want to make it easier for them to stay in work and balance their caring responsibilities with other parts of their lives.

"The Liberal Democrats believe in offering opportunity for everyone in order to build a stronger economy and a fairer society and that means really valuing the work that informal carers do, day in day out.

"Carers are the unsung heroes of our care system. In Government Liberal Democrats have legislated new rights to support and fund more breaks for carers.

"Our carer's package of measures recognises the huge contribution carers make. It aims to offer the right support at the right time to carers in work, when dealing with the NHS and financially."

New research by Carers UK shows there are 3,600 people who begin caring annually in Hinckley and Bosworth.

Carers save the state tens of billions of pounds a year and the Liberal Democrats have created a package of measures to support carers as part of their pre-manifesto.

The package includes raising the amount carers can earn before losing their allowance.

It also contains measures for more flexible working hours, support in returning to the jobs market and a scheme informing carers of their rights and giving them access to facilities.

This follows Lib Dem plans announced earlier this year to introduce an annual Carer's Bonus of up to £250.