Universal Care Plan and National Carers Action Plan: What's changed since Summer 2026?

When we shared news about the new Universal Care Plan guidance and the government's unpaid Carers action plan: recognise, refer, reach earlier this year, many of the proposals were just beginning to take shape.

Since then, progress has continued across London and nationally.

Carers can now access and contribute to the Universal Care Plan through the NHS App, helping to ensure important information about caring responsibilities and contingency arrangements can be shared with health and care professionals when needed. The plan can be viewed across a range of services, helping reduce the need for Carers to repeat their story and supporting more coordinated care.

Nationally, the government's unpaid Carers action plan: recognise, refer, reach continues to drive work to improve how Carers are identified, connected to support and enabled to balance caring with work, education and their own wellbeing. Key commitments include improved identification of Carers, development of the NHS App's "MyCarer" functionality, better information and advice, and stronger recognition of Carers across public services and workplaces.

For Carers in Sutton, these developments reflect a growing recognition that Carers are essential partners in care. Sutton Carers Centre will continue to work with local and national partners to help ensure Carers can access the support, information and practical tools they need.

Have you noticed any difference in your experiences as a Carer?

Visit the UCP for Carers page here and you can download the leaflet for Carers below.