Southport’s Liberal Democrat candidate John Wright is supporting a proposal to give free bus passes to the country’s young carers, as part a wider plan that was passed at the party’s conference. There are just under a million young carers in Britain.
“Young carers in Southport shoulder enormous responsibilities”, said Mr. Wright. “They look after vulnerable people in our town, and they pick up the slack where lack of support from local councils and the government is letting them down.
“Giving them free bus passes will not only make their lives easier, but also start a bigger effort to solve the social care crisis.”
The Lib Dem plan also includes further education opportunities for young carers. It is estimated that they are four times more likely to drop out of college or university than other students because of their caring responsibilities. The Lib Dems would also expand eligibility for Carers’ Allowance.
Mr Wright added: “Southport is especially vulnerable to the social care crisis that this government is choosing to ignore.
“I believe it’s time someone with a plan took charge and lifted the burden placed on our carers.”
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