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Commons2nd reading
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Unpaid Carers (Respite and Support) Bill

A Bill to place a duty on the Secretary of State to ensure that unpaid carers are offered respite breaks; to make provision for and about such respite breaks; to require the Secretary of State to publish guidance relating to respite breaks, including guidance about funding; to make provision about support for unpaid carers, including support following the discharge of a cared-for person from a hospital or other medical setting; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Sponsor

Alison BennettLiberal Democrat

Parliament last updated

25 February 2026

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

The bill would place a duty on the Secretary of State to ensure unpaid carers are offered respite breaks and to set out how those breaks should work. It also requires the government to publish guidance on respite breaks (including funding) and to provide support for carers, including after the person they care for is discharged from hospital or another medical setting. The aim is to improve practical support and relief for unpaid carers across the country.

Key Points

  • Places a statutory duty on the Secretary of State to offer respite breaks to unpaid carers.
  • Describes how respite breaks should be provided and what they can cover.
  • Requires publication of guidance on respite breaks, including funding arrangements.
  • Provides for ongoing support for unpaid carers, including after the cared-for person leaves hospital or a medical setting.
  • Currently at the second reading in the House of Commons, with progress to the next stages if supported.

Progress

The bill is at its second reading in the House of Commons (scheduled for 17 April 2026). If it passes this stage, it would proceed to committee stage for detailed scrutiny.

Who is affected?

Unpaid carers (including family members, partners and friends)People who are cared for (the recipients of care)Carer support organisations and charitiesHealth and social care providers and local authorities involved in respite services and discharge planning

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

22 Jul 2025

2nd readingCommons

17 Apr 2026

Committee stageCommons
Report stageCommons
3rd readingCommons
1st readingLords
2nd readingLords
Committee stageLords
Report stageLords
3rd readingLords
Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

Unpaid Carers (Respite and Support) Bill

11 Sept 2025

The next stage for this Bill, Second reading, is scheduled to take place on Friday 17 April 2026, although the House of Commons is not expected to be sitting on that date.

This is a Private Members' Bill and was presented to Parliament on Tuesday 22 July.

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.