Hidden Heroes: The Liberal Democrat Plan to Support Young Carers.

​Across the UK, a silent army of young people is performing an extraordinary service. Every day, thousands of children and teenagers balance the demands of school and exams with the profound responsibility of looking after disabled or ill loved ones. Whether it is a parent, a sibling, or an extended family member, these young people are the backbone of their families, yet they are frequently left to shoulder this weight without adequate support.

​At the heart of the Liberal Democrat mission is the belief that every child deserves a fair start in life. However, the heavy toll of caring duties often means these students struggle to keep up, leading to lower grades and diminished opportunities in adulthood. It is time to bring these "hidden heroes" out of the shadows.

​Bringing Young Carers "Out of the Shadows"

​Right now, too many young carers "fly below the radar." Without formal identification, schools cannot provide the flexibility or emotional support these students desperately need. Liberal Democrat MPs have been leading the calls in Parliament to ensure these children are no longer overlooked and challenging the government to do more.

​"Young carers do incredible and often unsung work looking after disabled and ill loved ones... However we know that the responsibilities, time and worry of being a carer can mean that it is harder for these children to thrive in school and fulfil their potential." — Alison Bennett MP- Care and Carers spokesperson 

​The statistics back up this urgency. Research shows that young carers are significantly more likely to be persistently absent from school, and the attainment gap is stark. 

​"Only 40% of absent pupils achieve their expected standards... For young carers, the gap only widens. They are 37% less likely to achieve high A-level grades. We must identify early and support early." — Alison Bennett MP

​To fix this, the Liberal Democrats are proposing a practical, common-sense policy: extending Pupil Premium eligibility to young carers. By linking financial support to these students, schools would have a direct incentive to identify them early and provide tailored resources, such as academic catch-up sessions or mental health counseling.

​This isn't just about funding; it’s about visibility. By formally including young carers in the Pupil Premium, we ensure they are recognized by the system as a vulnerable group deserving of specific intervention.

​A "New Deal" for All Carers

​The party’s commitment to carers is a cornerstone of our wider platform, championed by Leader Ed Davey MP. Having been a carer himself since childhood, Ed Davey understands the exhaustion and isolation that comes with the role. He has called for a "New Deal" to ensure those who provide care are never undervalued again.

​"Carers are the glue that holds our society together, but for too long they have been ignored and undervalued by the government."

— Ed Davey MP

The Liberal Democrat vision extends beyond the school gates. We believe in a society where caring is supported at every stage of life.

​Removing the Education "Cliff-Edge"

​Currently, young adult carers face an unfair barrier to their future. If they choose to pursue full-time education for more than 21 hours a week, they often lose their eligibility for Carer’s Allowance. This effectively penalises young people for trying to better their lives through degree or vocational training.

​The Liberal Democrats believe the '21-hour rule' should be abolished. Caring for a loved one should never be a barrier to a university degree or a high-skilled career.

​"Young adult carers are four times more likely to drop out of college or university... They have so much to offer, and they deserve far more support to give them genuine opportunities to realise their potential."

— Ed Davey MP

​Our Policy Priorities for Carers

​The Liberal Democrats have laid out a comprehensive plan to support carers of all ages, as detailed in our official policy platform:

​A Statutory 'Guarantee' for Carers: Ensuring that every carer has a legal right to regular, high-quality respite breaks and mental health support.

​Increasing Carer’s Allowance: Providing immediate financial relief by raising the allowance to help with the rising cost of living.

​Equality Act Protection: Campaigning to make caring a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010, requiring employers to make reasonable adjustments.

​School Support Leads: Calling for a dedicated Young Carers' Lead in every school to act as a bridge between the student and necessary services.

​Moving Forward

​While the government has expressed an "openness" to discussing sone aspects of these reforms, the Liberal Democrats will continue to apply pressure. The Liberal Democrats believe that a society is judged by how it treats its most selfless members. From implementing a Young Carers Covenant to fixing the broken benefits system, we are committed to ensuring that being a carer is a badge of honor that comes with support, not a burden that leads to poverty.

​It is time to give young carers the recognition, the funding, and the fair start they have earned.