Labour is being urged to deliver a “Christmas break” for people who look after loved ones as it is revealed nearly one million requests for carer support have been denied. An analysis found 932,625 people have been denied help with their caring responsibilities since 2020.

The number receiving respite care – when paid carers look after someone temporarily so families can have a break – has fallen by 23% since 2019-20 to a mere 35,590. The Government is facing calls for a “guarantee of respite care written into law”.

More than 1.5 million people provide 50-plus hours of care a week but only 32% say they can get a break whenever needed.

Helen Walker, chief executive of Carers UK said: “There will be no let-up of responsibilities for thousands of unpaid carers this Christmas who will continue to care as so many do, 24/7, 365 days of the year. Fewer are getting any breaks, and this is leaving many unpaid carers burnt out and exhausted, unable to have a life beyond their caring responsibilities.

“The nation and the NHS relies on the care they give, and respite is essential for them to stay well.”

Carers are expected to provide support worth £2.9billion over a seven-day period this Christmas but there grave concerns about the support they receive.

Ms Walker said that last year just 23% said they had received a carer’s assessment of their needs in the past 12 months – and 42% said “their local authority had not given them any support after having one.”

Kirsty McHugh, chief executive of the Carers Trust, said: “Carers don’t get a silent night, and respite is the way to change that. As much of the country slows down for Christmas, millions will keep caring without rest – helping people remain well, helping them remain at home and out of hospital.

“With respite support under threat, 2026 must be the year the UK Government steps up and delivers the time off every carer needs to stay well.”

Alison Bennett, the Liberal Democrats’ care spokesperson, said: “This Christmas, many carers will be feeling exhausted, and unable to enjoy a relaxing and peaceful time with their loved ones. Families are being pushed to breaking point – working round the clock without reprieve.

“Carers need and deserve a break – including during the festive period. If the Government has any heart, they will ensure that by next Christmas every carer in this country is able to have time off, with a guarantee of respite care written into law.”

Ms Bennett added: “This is not only the right thing to do: better supporting carers will also help our overwhelmed NHS – as carer breakdown means more people having to turn to hospital as the last resort. A proper carer support service in every hospital, with regular respite care would make a huge difference this winter.”

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “We value the immense contribution of all unpaid carers. That’s why we have delivered the biggest uplift to the Carer’s Allowance threshold since the 1970s – an increase of around £2,000 – and are reviewing Carer’s Leave. Unpaid carers can also receive support, including short breaks and respite services, through the Better Care Fund (BCF).

“We inherited a social care system facing significant challenges, but we are turning it around through a funding boost of more than £4.6billion compared to 2025-26, an additional £172million for an extra 15,000 home adaptations for disabled people and the first ever Fair Pay Agreement to boost recruitment and retention.

“The government is committed to building a National Care Service and Baroness Casey’s Independent Commission forms part of the critical first steps to delivering this, with the first recommendations for reform due to be published next year.”