Last updated 09:21, Saturday, 05 July 2008

They say that a civilised society can be judged by how it treats its most vulnerable citizens. If that is the case then Britain has some way to go.

The difficulties faced by those looking after sick, elderly or disabled relatives are still often overlooked. So it is be hoped they will get more prominence when Carlisle carers demonstrate outside Parliament later this year.

Feeding, washing and dressing someone vulnerable is often a full-time job. But it does not come with a full-time wage. The allowance of £50 per week is rarely adequate, especially for those who face higher heating bills than more able-bodied people.

This week MPs voted not to limit their expenses. Shouldn’t they consider being as generous towards carers as they are towards themselves?

The least they could do is extend the pensioners’ winter fuel allowance to other vulnerable people, as Carlisle carers request.

And it’s not just money that carers need. When you are putting in a 24-hour day caring for someone, you are bound to feel isolated and exhausted, with neither the time nor the money to get away for a while. More respite care also needs to be provided.

If our MPs deserve public money towards their second homes, then surely carers deserve more than £50 a week for the work they do.