A CHARITY has expressed concerns that carers’ rights will be taken away by a new government act.

Making Space, which is based on Allen Street in Bewsey, says that it is ‘fighting to secure dementia carers’ rights’ during the coronavirus pandemic.

It believes that the Coronavirus Act was ‘rushed through’ back in March and takes away ‘fundamental rights’ promised with the introduction of the Care Act in 2014.

These include assessing patients’ needs and providing personal care at home.

And Making Space wants to ‘ensure carers’ voices are heard’ during a parliamentary review of the act, which is set to be held in September.

Consultant admiral nurse Kathryn Penrith said: "The Coronavirus Act gives local authorities the right to invoke Care Act easements where this is considered necessary, which may affect services that have previously been on offer.

"This could include personal care and support for people living at home – this can have an enormous impact on people with dementia and their carers.”

Making Space has partnered with another charity, Liverpool-based Tide, in order to launch the Law for Dementia Carers project in order to help carers understand their legal rights.

Project manager Karen Greenhalgh, of Tide, added: "As the Coronavirus Act is up for review in September, we are working with families to ensure their voices are heard in the review process.

“Our Law for Dementia Carers project invites carers to fill in our online questionnaire so we can share their experiences."

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