Demographic and medical changes are leading to rapid rises in the numbers and proportion of elderly and children who rely on others, particularly in Shropshire, whether cared for at home or in a residential home.
But Government funding formulae do not recognise the impact of this demographic change on local authority budgets. In Shropshire this is starting to cause real difficulties.
558,000 people in the West Midlands have a caring responsibility for others, part of the 6 million carers across the UK. Over 3 in 5 of us will become carers at some time in our lives. This is more likely in Shropshire than other parts of the country: our elderly population is rising almost 50% faster than the UK average.
Carers have a remarkably selfless approach to the responsibilities they have assumed, often through no choice of their own. We all owe them a considerable debt. Carers save the country £57 billion each year yet Carers Allowance is £1.39 an hour.
The decision to care can mean a commitment to future poverty: many give up an income, future employment prospects and pension rights to become a carer. Others balance work and caring - risking exhaustion, stress, even illness.
They do this to look after a loved one who is either ill, frail or disabled. We don't do enough to celebrate that work.
This week, while those of us in Parliament press Patricia Hewitt to offer a fairer deal for those in need of care in Shropshire, we should all take a moment to acknowledge the invaluable work carers do.
