BOROUGH MP Andrew Miller has pledged his support for carers and urged them to ensure they are not missing out on benefits.

With Carers’ Rights Day approaching on December 5, the Labour MP says many carers are not claiming support on top of their allowance, like meals on wheels or council tax discounts.

He said: “It’s a real concern that carers in Ellesmere Port and Neston may not be getting all the help they are entitled to.

“Carers are fulfilling a vital role in society and without them the NHS and social care system would not be able to cope.

“It is essential that they are given information about their rights so that they get the support they need and do not live in poverty, risking their own health and future prospects.

“Nearly three quarters of carers are financially worse-off as a result of caring, yet around £740 million per year in carers’ benefits go unclaimed.”

There are currently over six million unpaid carers in the UK, who provide support for family, friends or neighbours and save the country around £87billion each year by doing so.

Those who think they may be affected can contact Carers UK on 0808 808 7777 or by visiting www.carersuk.org.

Andrew Miller also invites anybody who wishes to discuss the issue, to write to him at the House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.