On Monday 16 December, MPs discussed how to improve the Care Bill at its second reading at the House of Commons. Thanks to our campaigners, we’ve made sure every MP in England* knows about Macmillan’s Do you Care? campaign.
34 MPs have met with people who look after loved ones with cancer, to better understand:
Watch our film where MPs discussed the Care Bill and why it needs to change
Paul Burstow, Lib Dem MP who back Macmillan's call, also blogged about the carers crisis on the Online Community earlier this year.
Sir Tony Baldry, Conservative MP also backed our call, saying this was “common sense” because many people caring for a loved one with cancer don’t think of themselves as carers, so might not be aware of their rights.
Barbara Keeley, Labour MP also quoted Macmillan’s research in her speech, saying that only 1 in 20 (5%) of cancer carers receive the assessment they are entitled to:
“Health bodies must be required...to take on the task of identifying carers and referring them for advice and support, because carers are mainly seen in health settings and not by local authorities.”
What happens next?
In early January 2014 a small committee of MPs will vote on changes and improvements to the Bill. This is our chance to make sure our Macmillan’s call is heard for better identification and signposting of support for cancer carers.
* This campaign focuses on the Care Bill which relates only to England. Care in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is managed by their own assemblies. We have information and support applicable across the UK in our carers pages.
