State of Caring 2024 report published
- Area of Work: Policy and Research
- Type: News Item
- Published: 24th October 2024
Carers UK have published their State of Caring 2024 report focusing on the impact of caring on finances.
Carers UK have published the State of Caring 2024 report. The State of Caring report is the result of the UK’s most comprehensive regular research into the lives and experiences of unpaid carers. This publication focuses on the impact of caring on people’s finances.
The State of Caring 2024 survey found that unpaid carers are finding it increasingly difficult to afford day-to-day living costs, with the worry and anxiety of this affecting their mental health and wellbeing.
Carers, particularly those receiving Carer’s Allowance and Universal Credit, are struggling to make ends meet, and many are making difficult choices, such as reducing meal sizes or skipping meals. A majority of carers responding to the survey are now cutting back on social connections, which often provide a vital lifeline helping people to balance caring responsibilities with their own wellbeing.
For example, the report shows that:
- 61% of unpaid carers are worried about living costs and managing in the future, and over a third (35%) don’t feel confident they will be able to manage financially over the next 12 months
- 28% of carers are cutting back on essentials like food and heating, an increase from 25% in 2022.
- 28% of carers said they have had to use credit cards, 22% have used their overdraft and 14% of carers are in debt because of caring.
- 68% of carers have cut back on hobbies and leisure activities and 60% have reduced time spent seeing family and friends
- Over half of carers (51%) said that their financial situation is having a negative impact on their mental health, and 61% feel stressed or anxious when they think about their financial situation.
- 42% of carers on Carer’s Allowance are struggling to make ends meet, compared to 27% of all carers, and 19% of carers in receipt of Universal Credit use food banks compared to 7% of all carers.
You can read the full version of the report here. Further reports based on the findings from the State of Caring 2024 will be published over the forthcoming months.
End of page.
You may also like:
ALLIANCE consultation response calls for clearer guidance, sustained investment and local support to make carers' breaks a reality.
Continue readingYoung people’s feedback will help NHS 24 better understand needs and improve support services.
Continue readingALLIANCE input and lived experience evidence help shape stronger, person-centred and trauma-informed maternity care
Continue readingSupporting stronger information rights, while warning delivery must work for an already stretched sector
Continue readingA new resource by Adaptation Scotland to help social care professionals integrate climate adaptation into care planning and delivery.
Continue readingRead more about the ALLIANCE response to the report on the impact of COVID-19 on the health and social care sector in Scotland.
Continue readingUp to £20 million to be delivered via Independent Living Fund to help people live in their communities
Continue readingRefined plans focus on practical measure to improve outcomes for people with learning disabilities, autism and neurodivergence.
Continue readingMarie Curie has published new analysis showing that almost one in three people in Scotland die without the palliative care they need.
Continue readingShare your views before 19 February
Continue readingReform of the council tax system is long overdue, with the current system negatively impacting funding for services including social care.
Continue readingFirst monitoring report shows improvements in wellbeing and services alongside ongoing gaps in data and unequal outcomes
Continue readingProgress in many areas is welcome, but the budget must go further on social care, mental health and third sector support.
Continue readingThe 'joint statement on prevention' partners have issued a follow-up ahead of the 2026-27 Scottish Budget.
Continue readingEvent calls for human rights to be a priority ahead of the Scottish Parliament Elections in 2026.
Continue readingCommission raises concerns over the state of economic, social and cultural rights in Scotland
Continue readingNew online platform invites individuals and communities to shape Scotland’s path to net zero
Continue readingA survey of ALLIANCE third sector members found a worsening financial crisis arising from a range of pressures.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE has produced a briefing for the Scottish Parliament debate on BSL, taking place on 11 December 2025.
Continue readingScottish Government outline actions in response to economic, social and cultural rights observations
The plan comes in response to the Concluding Observations from the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights earlier this year.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE urges stronger social care integration, a clearer prevention focus and digital inclusion at the heart of NHS Delivery proposals
Continue readingNearly half of unpaid carers cut back on essentials as financial and health pressures intensify
Continue readingNew report warns thousands spending their final months in financial hardship and fuel poverty
Continue readingIndependent expert panel review recommends major changes to align abortion law with modern clinical practice
Continue readingALLIANCE and Engender call for an intersectional and rights-based approach to underpin a national investigation into maternity services.
Continue reading