Over 9,000 carers in Sheffield will receive a bonus worth up to £250-a-year under a Liberal Democrat government, it has been announced by Nick Clegg MP.

The no-strings-attached Carer’s Bonus will help more than one million people who look after disabled loved-ones.

The annual payment will help full-time carers get a bit of extra help and recognises the invaluable contribution they make to society.

In total 9,180 in Sheffield will benefit from the Carer’s Bonus.

Nick Clegg, Liberal Democrat MP for Sheffield Hallam, said:

“Carers are Britain’s unsung heroes. Up and down the country behind closed doors, you’ll find a hidden army of carers doing amazing things every day.

“It is estimated that six in ten of us will at some point in our lives find ourselves caring for someone else – an elderly relative, a sick child, a friend who needs our support.

“These are people who deserve our support even in straightened times, which is why the Liberal Democrat manifesto will include a Carer’s Bonus to give them a little extra help.

“It’s completely up to the carers themselves how they spend it – it’s a no strings attached bonus from a party that is grateful for the superhuman work they do.”

The bonus would be worth £125 at the start of the next parliament and would rise to £250-a-year by 2020, with around 1.1 million people eligible.

The annual bonus would be available to anyone who receives the Carer’s Allowance or the Carer’s Premium.

The pledge follows a number of measures introduced by the Coalition Government to support carers.

• In Government the party has secured £800 million to fund short breaks for disabled children and their families.
• Around £400 million has been set aside to support carers to take breaks from caring responsibilities.
• While £3 million has been allocated to improve awareness and understanding about carers among health workers.