Vital support services for unpaid carers are under serious threat due to increased employer National Insurance contributions, according to the Carers Trust. The charity warns that its network of over 130 local carer organisations now faces an added financial burden of £3.3 million, which, alongside higher wage costs, brings the total impact to £7.5 million. As a result, many centres may be forced to cut services, reduce staff, or help fewer carers.

The rise comes into effect during a time of growing financial pressure on unpaid carers, who are also facing cuts to benefits. Local carer services offer essential help for the UK’s six million unpaid carers and around one million young carers, including practical support, information, breaks from caring and emergency grants. Many of these families already struggle financially, with two-thirds of carers needing to reduce or leave work due to their responsibilities.

Almost all of the affected organisations (93%) say the additional costs threaten their ability to continue operating, with 30% expecting to cut core services, 40% likely to reduce staffing, and 28% anticipating a drop in the number of carers they can support.

Kirsty McHugh, Chief Executive of Carers Trust, called for urgent government action, warning that without proper funding, many carers could lose the only support they have.