Hove MP Mike Weatherley has highlighted the risk to funding for carers with a question to Health Secretary Andrew Lansley this week.
The Conservative MP asked what financial support the Department of Health provided to Brighton and Hove City Council and the NHS in the area for the support of carers.
He also asked what assessment had been made of the role that the Carers Centre for Brighton and Hove, or other voluntary organisations, have in supporting carers.
Paul Burstow, the Liberal Democrat Health Minister, sent Mr Weatherley a written reply.
Mr Burstow said: “Brighton and Hove City Council received £1.102 million in 2008-09, £1.167 million in 2009-10 and £1.132 million in 2010-11 for the carers element of their area based grant.
“The previous government made £150 million available within primary care trust allocations in 2009-11 (£50 million in 2009-10 and £100 million in 2010-11) to enable them to provide breaks for carers.
“The money was not ring-fenced and no mechanisms were put in place to ensure that the money was spent on carers.”
Mr Burstow added that no assessment has been made of the role of the Carers Centre – based in Bedford Place in Brighton – or other voluntary organisations in supporting carers.
