News story

13th December 2004

Local MPS "Join Forces" at South Glos. Carers Meeting
 

Roger Berry MP, Sue Lloyd (Chief Exec. of the Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre) and Steve
Webb MP

Carers in Bristol & South Gloucestershire had an unusual double bill at the AGM of the Princess Royal Trust at the Vassall Centre on Friday 10th, as Northavon MP Steve Webb and Kingswood MP Roger Berry joined forces to take questions from local carers about a range of issues including young carers, pensions, and carers' rights.

Steve Webb had been scheduled to address the meeting, and Roger Berry came along to offer his support for the work of the carers group. The MPs agreed on the spur of the moment to share the platform to take questions - and found themselves agreeing on many issues!

In his speech to the AGM, Steve Webb highlighted the way in which many carers not only make sacrifices whilst they are looking after someone, but can also find in their retirement that they lose out again because they have lost out on pension rights.

The MP, who speaks for the Lib Dems in Parliament on pensions, told the meeting of his party's proposals for a "citizen's pension". Such a pension would be paid in full to people who have lived in the UK for a substantial part of their life, and would therefore not penalise women who have spent time bringing up a family or caring for an elderly or disabled person.

Speaking after the meeting, Steve Webb said:

"I always value the chance to meet with local carers who are making a huge and often undervalued contribution to our society. I was more than happy to share the platform with Roger Berry who has worked hard in Parliament for disabled people and for carers".