A GROUP of carers are demanding a say in the way Herefordshire Council spends the money allocated for carer relief in the county.

They claim that in 2007 the council had a grant of £770,000 primarily for the purpose but that no carers were consulted on how it should be used.

Spokesperson Pattie Fender believed £555,524 of the money was being spent on the cared for - and, out of that, £212,500 given to a voluntary group which had folded.

The group contends that if the government gives money to the council to provide relief to carers, at least the carers should be asked how they could best be helped.

It is now seeking the opinion of other carers across Herefordshire, urging them to join forces to help get a better deal.

The council's interim head of adult services, Eleanor Brazil, said they were aware there was a need to improve the way carers were involved in planning services and it was intended to set up a county-wide forum next April.

She described carers as the unsung heroes of communities, working tirelessly to support and care for a member of their family, neighbour or friend.

Mrs Fender said that in a report in January the Commission for Social Care Inspection found the council lacking in its duty to carers. "We have seen no sign of improvement," she said.

The group, although small, was pressing the council for the required full involvement on carer's issues and the use of the £770,000 carer's grant.

"Using a Freedom of Information request we have, at last, been promised copies of the business plans and end of returns submitted by groups receiving the carer's grant," said Mrs Fender.

In response Ms Brazil said the council received £605,453 in carers' grants in 2007 and most had been passed to voluntary organisations to provide direct support to carers. The balance was spent on individual spot arrangements and supporting carers' networks.

Anyone interested in talking to the group can call 01989 770120.