178,000 children providing care for loved ones

New census figures released today show that a total of 177,918 children and young people are carers for their loved ones, with 15,728 providing more than 50 hours of care a week and 19,422 between 20 and 49 hours.

Nearly 10,000 children aged five to seven are providing unpaid care for their family members or guardians.

The figures, compiled from the 2011 Census, indicate that of the 9,985 five to seven-year-olds providing care, 1,642 are doing so for more than 50 hours a week, with 1,166 for between 20 and 49 hours.

Youngsters aged 10 to 14 make up the largest group of care providers, with 72,266 providing unpaid care.