One in five 55 to 59-year-olds in parts of England are unpaid carers – census

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The Carers Trust said the data “highlights the significant poverty penalty experienced by the nation’s unpaid carers, with far more people caring for friends and family in areas of higher deprivation”. Areas in north-west England tend to have the highest proportion of unpaid carers among younger age groups, while the East Midlands has the highest among many of the older age groups. By contrast, Mansfield has the highest proportion of unpaid carers among people aged 50-54 and 55-59, Ashfield is top for people aged 60-64 and 65-69, and Bolsover is top for those aged 70-74 and 75-79. “What remains stark, however, is that there are millions of unpaid carers who need help from the UK Government, including support for their local carer organisations, more funded respite breaks and delivery of a long-promised national strategy for unpaid carers.” Age UK said many older people are having to provide unpaid care for loved ones due to a lack of “good, formal, affordable care”.