Long time since my last post so lets get this going shall we/
Ivan Lewis choose to meet with a group of Carers. He chose
A- a group that would stand up for Carers and put their views to him in such a way that he would take notice.
B-A group lead by some simpering middle-aged woman with no backbone that would accept anything a Minister would tell her over a polite cup of tea?
No brainer, B every time.
Some important questions should have been asked, all Carers agree that income is the first and most important thing that needs addressing and it was the thing that was put to Ivan?
"We mentioned about direct payments being expensive at weekends and bank holidays and he said if there is a problem for carers with this, then the initial payment is not enough and needs to be reviewed.
The three main points we had raised with Ivan Lewis The Care Minister, Mr Lamb dictated a letter to him whilst we were there and a copy is to be sent to the Chancellor of the Exchequer asking them both what they intend to do.
1. I brought up my concerns for carers living in rural areas and the fact that the free phone help line will not be in place until mid 2009.
2. I told him about the carer whose husband had died and she received a letter within 10 days of his death from the DWP about getting her back to work because of her change in circumstances.
3. Moira asked about the 10p tax when carers work and continue their caring role to supplement their income. We asked about the EDM. Mr Lamb showed great concern for carers and understanding"
Great, avoided it in the most stupendous way imaginable. That's the way to do it the Chill, the Carer charities will be proud of that, Carers can rightly feel let down but they have been let down by all the online Carer support (sic) groups going.
Sycophants-hypocrites-inadequates-stupid, there's loads of words that could be used to describe how Carers have been let down, take you pick.
I've left UK Carers to do whatever they want now, it's time for a change so come the green paper when the likelihood is Carers getting forced into jobs then Chill4You can look back on their meetings with Ministers with pride....can't they?
