Census to gather information on carers for first time

For the first time the Census will include a question aimed at
establishing the total number of carers in England and Wales.

Question 12 of the Census, which is done every 10 years, asks:
“Do you look after, or give any help or support to family members,
friends, neighbours or others because of long term physical or
mental ill-health or disability, or problems related to old
age?”.

A factsheet from the National Office for Statistics says the
question is part of the government’s recognition of “the
increasing amount of unpaid personal help given to others by
carers”.

It says: “Responses to this question will provide detailed
information about these carers and the amount of care being given,
to inform on policy initiatives and resource allocation by health
and social services.”