Lib Dems publish plans to help those who care for others

The roll out of policy proposals from the Liberal Democrat manifesto process continues, this time with Norman Lamb talking about carers:

Britain’s army of unpaid carers would receive a series of perks such as free hospital parking and be given greater powers in the NHS under Liberal Democrat plans to introduce “Carers’ Passports”.

The scheme, which will be included in the party’s manifesto for the next election, is aimed at improving the lives of people who spend large portions of their days looking after their loved ones, often suffering financially as a result.

The new passports would be used to identify carers to hospitals when they arrive, allowing them to bypass rules on visiting hours and visits “carers’ kitchens” so they spend less money on food and hot drinks. It could also entitle them to discounts at their local chemist or cinema.

This is in addition to the previously announced plans to introduce an annual bonus for carers.

You can read more about the plans over in The Independent.

The pre-manifesto document will get debated at the Liberal Democrat conference in Glasgow this October.