The Government recognises the vital contribution made by unpaid carers, including those in Harpenden and Berkhamsted, and is committed to supporting carers to balance their caring responsibilities with employment and education.

The Department has not made a specific assessment of the adequacy of funding and support for unpaid carers in Harpenden and Berkhamsted. Under the Care Act 2014, local authorities have a duty to assess carers’ needs and, where eligible needs are identified, to provide support to help carers maintain their wellbeing, including participation in work, education and training.

The Government is reviewing the implementation of carer’s leave and looking at where any improvements may be needed to ensure that employment rights for unpaid carers are fit for the modern world of work. This includes a public consultation on employment rights for unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children, which was launched on 9 June 2026. More information on the consultation is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/make-work-pay-employment-rights-for-unpaid-carers-and-parents-of-seriously-ill-children

In addition, we have raised the Carer’s Allowance weekly earnings limit in April 2025, and it increased again to £204 net earnings a week for 2026/27.

The Government is also making approximately £4.6 billion of additional funding available for adult social care in 2028/29 compared to 2025/26, to support the sector in making improvements. Local areas determine how the money is best used to support carers, depending on local need and with reference to their statutory responsibilities.