Liberal Democrats have announced a £150m package for the 6.5 million carers across Britain who support their loved ones that are older, disabled or seriously ill.

The new measures form part of the party’s Disability Manifesto.

Approximately 1 in every 8 adults provide care, unpaid for family and friends.

Under Liberal Democrat plans, these carers will receive a £250 bonus to ease the cost of caring for family members who requires support for 35 hours or more over a 12 month period.

We will introduces this bonus gradually over the next Parliament with £125 available for carers in 2017/18.

In addition the NHS will have a legal duty to identify carers and introduce an innovative new Carer’s Passport that provides people who look after ill and vulnerable loved ones with privileged support.

This could range from more flexible visiting hours and free hospital parking, through to free cinema tickets, free restaurant meals and free gym sessions.

Carers could get an additional five days paid additional “care leave” a year and would be allowed to do more work without losing their Carer’s Allowance by extending the “earnings limit” from £110 per week to £150 per week, putting more money back into their pockets.

We would also appoint a new cross-government “Carer’s Champion” to ensure carers get a voice at the heart of government.