New figures about the number of unpaid carers in Mendip have been revealed. 

More than one in 20 people in Mendip were providing unpaid care as of 2021, census data shows.

Data from the Office for National Statistics shows 9,890 people in Mendip were looking after someone without being paid when the census was carried out in March 2021 – 8.6% of the population over five years old in the area.

But what's lifting eyebrows is that fact that this number is lower than the 2011 census, when 11.2% of people in the area were providing unpaid care.

Participants were asked whether the "look after, or give any help or support" to people with long-term physical or mental health conditions, or problems related to old age.

The rate also fell across England and Wales over the decade, from 11.4% to 9% – although the ONS warns that as the census was carried out during the pandemic, many people may have been avoiding seeing elderly or vulnerable friends and family.

The wording of the question on unpaid care was also different in the 2021 census, and the percentages used by the ONS have been standardised to account for differences in age between areas.

Carers UK said it was surprised that the overall figure had gone down, but added that many people may not self-report as a carer.

Helen Walker, chief executive of the charity, said: "Most people consider themselves to be a partner, husband, wife, son, daughter, good friend or neighbour and don't recognise themselves as unpaid carers.

"We know that there are potentially many more hidden carers out there that could be getting information, advice and support and it's essential that public services recognise this in their planning and delivery."

In Mendip, 4,428 people were providing more than 20 hours of unpaid care a week in 2021 – including 2,806 people doing so for more than 50 hours a week.

Charlotte Paddison, from Nuffield Trust says the figures show a 'worrying trend'.

"Policy-makers trying to shore up current problems in health and social care will rightly be concerned about any data showing an overall decrease in the number of unpaid carers. From the perspective of the NHS and a struggling social care sector in England, the work unpaid carers do – worth billions of pounds each year – is essential in bridging gaps in state-funded support. 

"This trend also bodes badly for pressure on public finances in the longer term. Suppose fewer and fewer people are willing or able to take on the work of being an unpaid carer, in an ageing society. In that case, this may have serious consequences for public finances – through increased demand for state-funded social care – and implications for the health and dignity of those who need care.

"Five million unpaid carers represent a huge number of people making a significant contribution to society, but the 2021 census data suggests policy-makers should be careful not to take them for granted. With an unexpected overall decline in the numbers of unpaid carers in England and Wales, perhaps the most important unanswered question is how can we better support the carers we have?"

A spokesperson for the Department for Health and Social Care said: "The government has prioritised health and social care in the Autumn Statement, with up to £7.5 billion available over the next two years to support adult social care services – the biggest funding increase in history.

"Specifically for unpaid carers, we are also providing local areas with over £290 million in funding for short breaks and respite services, as well as additional advice and support," they added.