Political Opinion: Lib Dem MP presses Government to support young carers 

During Carers Week 2026 last week, Victoria Collins MP has called on the Government to provide greater support for young carers and ensure unpaid carers are not disadvantaged in work or education. 

Millions of people across the UK provide unpaid care for family members, friends and neighbours living with long-term health conditions. While carers make an invaluable contribution to society, many struggle to access the practical, financial and emotional support they need. Young carers often face additional pressures, managing caring responsibilities while trying to succeed at school, college or training opportunities.

Victoria Collins,  MP for Harpenden and Berkhamsted, is therefore pushing  the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the assessment the Government has made around supporting unpaid carers in Harpenden and Berkhamsted to enable them to remain in employment or education.

Victoria Collins MP said: "The latest figures show there are 128,000 young carers in England and Wales, but charities estimate the true number could be closer to one million across the UK. Many remain hidden from support services, putting their education, wellbeing and future opportunities at risk. We need to do far more to identify young carers and ensure they get the help they need to thrive.

"No young person should see their education, wellbeing or future opportunities suffer because they are caring for a loved one. Carers deserve proper financial assistance, access to respite care and a social care system that works for them.

"I want to see the Government ensure unpaid carers of all ages are properly recognised for the invaluable contribution they make and are able to remain in work or education without being unfairly disadvantaged."