Liberal Democrats call for “Christmas break for carers” as almost one million requests for carer support denied

EMBARGO: 22:30 Saturday 20 December 2025

The Liberal Democrats are calling on the government to “give carers a break for Christmas”, with a new national scheme that would fund guaranteed respite care for those looking after loved ones over the festive period.

The call comes as analysis by the party of official NHS data reveals that 932,625 people have been denied help caring for a loved one since 2020, with hundreds of thousands only receiving “information and advice”.

The numbers receiving respite care, where paid carers look after someone temporarily so families can have a break, fell by 23% since 2019/20 to just 35,590. More than 1.5 million people provide 50 hours or more care a week for their loved one, and only 32% of carers say they can access a break from their caring role whenever needed.

The analysis follows a report by the IPPR which found the number of unpaid carers is up by 70% in the past two decades.

The Liberal Democrats have called on the government to establish a new £75m a year national scheme. This would fund guaranteed respite care in every part of the country, to alleviate the burden on carers, and to prevent hospital admissions due to carers becoming too exhausted to look after their loved one. They are also pressing for a new dedicated carer support service in every hospital, operating every day - including Christmas day - to identify carers and develop tailored support.

A service of this kind was implemented in Kingston in 2023, following campaigning by local MP and Lib Dem leader Ed Davey, and has now supported over 1,000 carers.

Liberal Democrat Care Spokesperson Alison Bennett MP said:

“This Christmas, many carers will be feeling exhausted, and unable to enjoy a relaxing and peaceful time with their loved ones. Families are being pushed to breaking point - working round the clock without reprieve.

“Carers need and deserve a break - including during the festive period. If the government has any heart, they will ensure that by next Christmas every carer in this country is able to have time off, with a guarantee of respite care written into law.

“This is not only the right thing to do: better supporting carers will also help our overwhelmed NHS - as carer breakdown means more people having to turn to hospital as the last resort. A proper carer support service in every hospital, with regular respite care would make a huge difference this winter.”

Kirsty McHugh, Carers Trust CEO commented:

"Carers don't get a silent night, and respite is the way to change that. As much of the country slows down for Christmas, millions will keep caring without rest. Helping people remain well, helping them remain at home and out of hospital. With respite support under threat, 2026 must be the year the UK Government steps up and delivers the time off every carer needs to stay well.”

Notes to Editor:

Carers UK are happy to be contacted for comment

Direct support for carers

Respite care for carers

Source: NHS England Digital, Adult Social Care Activity and Finance Report, Table 45 for 2016/17 to 2018/19 data, Table 47 from 2019/20 onwards

Total assessed since 2020: 1,486,505.

Total receiving support: 415,745 direct support, 138,135 respite (total of 553,880).

Total denied help 2020-2025: 932,625.

Note 2024/5 figures will not be published, a failure which has been criticised by Carers UK.

Stats:

• More than 1.5million people provide 50 hours or more care a week (ONS, England and Wales)
• Only 55% of carers say they get the support they need (Carers Trust, 2023, UK)
• Only 32% of carers said they could access a break from their caring role whenever needed (UK)
• Only 19% of carers from black, Asian and minority ethnic communities say they feel listened to by the UK Government (Carers Trust, 2023)
• Half of carers report at least one adverse health effect from providing unpaid care (ONS 2024, England and Wales)
• There has not been a UK Government plan for carers since 2020 and the last cross-government Carers Strategy expired seven years ago