22,000 Oldhamers are unpaid carers

MICHAEL MEACHER: much more money needs to be put into social care, he says

OLDHAM MP Michael Meacher is demanding money be ploughed into care as figures revealed 22,000 people in Oldham are providing unpaid support for their loved ones.

The Oldham West and Royton MP said the shocking figure was testament to the kindness of people - but also reflects the huge cuts in social care funding.

The Labour veteran said: “Chronic underfunding has led to rationing of care. Nationally 500,000 disabled and older people - more than double the population of Oldham - cannot get care and support today but would have five years ago.

“People who care for others do an amazing job but Government needs to do more. I want to see an annual report on funding for social care to ensure sufficient money is available.”

The figures also show 23,945 households across the borough have at least one family member with a long-term illness or disability. Over 40,113 Oldhamers have a condition that limits activity.

Mr Meacher added: “These figures are stark. Funding for adult social care has been cut by £2.7 billion since 2010 and the number of elderly and frail people receiving social care has fallen by nearly 170,000.”