Carers Face Crisis as Surrey County Council Cuts Vital Support

A significant reduction in support from Surrey County Council has put the future of Crossroads Care Surrey, a charity that provides essential respite for unpaid carers, at serious risk. The council has notified the charity that the current contract for carers’ replacement breaks, which was set to last until March 2027, will be terminated six months early. This abrupt change came as a shock to both the charity and the carers it serves.

Founded on the premise of supporting those who care for loved ones, Crossroads Care Surrey has been providing government-funded respite breaks for unpaid carers for the past 14 years. The charity offers these individuals the opportunity to relax, knowing their loved ones are in expert hands. However, in February 2025, the council replaced the existing contract with a one-off £300 pre-paid card, which the charity claims only translates to about eight or nine hours of care.

Surrey County Council has stated that the decision was made based on independent research that indicated the need for more flexible support options for carers. Nevertheless, many within the charity believe that this change is primarily a cost-cutting measure. One carer, who provides round-the-clock support for his 97-year-old mother suffering from mobility issues and dementia, expressed his frustrations, asking, “Has the council given any thought to the effect their decision is having on carers?”

In a statement to the Guildford Dragon, Cllr Sinead Mooney, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, emphasized that the council values the contributions of carers and noted that they are investing over £10 million in care and support for them this year. She explained that the new pre-paid card system allows for greater flexibility, enabling carers to choose how they wish to take their breaks, whether through activities, hobbies, or short trips.

Despite these assurances, Terry Hawkins, CEO of Crossroads Care Surrey, highlighted the vital role that respite breaks play in maintaining the mental and physical health of carers. He argued that the loss of this service would not only harm the carers but also create additional strain on already overburdened healthcare services in Surrey.

To temporarily mitigate the impact of this change, the charity’s supporters have stepped in to ensure that all scheduled respite hours for existing clients will be honored until November 30. However, the need for further community support is critical, and the charity is actively seeking assistance to continue its mission.

Crossroads Care Surrey is collaborating with the Carers Trust and local Liberal Democrat MPs to urge the county council to reconsider its decision. They are advocating for a reversal of the contract termination or, at the very least, a more substantial solution than the current pre-paid card offering.

Hawkins emphasized the broader implications of the council’s decision, stating, “By stripping away meaningful respite, the council is placing even more pressure on families, the NHS, and local services. This decision doesn’t just let carers down; it will increase carer burnout, emergency hospital admissions, and demand on already overstretched health services.”

Cllr Mooney defended the council’s approach, explaining that the new wellbeing breaks initiative has reached over 200 carers in its initial months and provides them with the flexibility to choose their preferred forms of respite. She noted that no carers have opted to use the payment to purchase replacement care, indicating a preference for alternative support.

Crossroads Care Surrey has a rich history, inspired by the soap opera Crossroads, which highlighted the challenges faced by caregivers. The charity’s origins trace back to a pilot project launched in 1974 after a disabled man praised the show for its portrayal of disability issues. This project has since evolved into the charity that supports countless carers today.

As the situation unfolds, Crossroads Care Surrey remains committed to ensuring that no carer is left without support. The charity is calling on individuals, businesses, and the broader community to contribute to maintaining essential services for those who care for others.