A CHARITY has called for answers over fears that carers in Banbury are experiencing a shortfall in funding for respite care.

New figures from The Princess Royal Trust for Carers indicate Oxfordshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) was given a £519,143 slice of a £150m Government pot for carers services for the financial year 2009-2010.

The money was earmarked to pay for respite care — where carers could take a breather knowing the person they cared for was being looked after.

Carers can apply for the funding at their GPs surgeries.

However, the PCT has admitted it has allocated just £250,000 for carers services this year — half the amount it received from the Government.

A carers group, the local MP and a charity have all called for answers as to where the rest of the Government funding has gone.

But on Tuesday, the PCT could not confirm why the two figures were different.

The PCT’s spokesman also said none of the money allocated for carers services this financial year had been paid out.

Jim Flux, chairman of North Oxfordshire Carers Centre, said: “I’m disappointed that the sum allocated of £250,000 doesn’t seem to be in line with what was allocated by the Government.

“I’m very disappointed for carers. I am disappointed the Government announced £500,000 and carers ended up with £250,000.

“We are supposed to be helping carers but have not been told anything about this.

“We don’t know if we should be encouraging carers to apply.”

Millie McCormick, chairman of Banbury and District MS Society, said: “I would like to know where this money has gone.

“There is a big need to help carers. The strain on carers is unbelievable. It can cause umpteen problems.

“They are bearing the brunt of everything.”

North Oxfordshire MP Tony Baldry said: “I think it’s the classic muddle. The Government has given the impression it is doing something for carers by saying it has allocated the money for carers.

“But if it’s not ring-fenced it gets lost.

“I have no doubt of the good intentions of the PCT, but with very little of it used, it does indicate a lot more needs to be done to make sure carers know they can access this money for breaks and respite.

“I hope something can be done to sort this out sooner rather than later.”

The Princess Royal Trust for Carers said Oxfordshire PCT would receive another £1m for carers services for 2010-2011.

A PCT spokesman said: “Oxfordshire Primary Care Trust has allocated £250,000 for Carers Services for this year.

“A plan to commission carer breaks has been developed in partnership with the county council and other stakeholders including the Oxfordshire Carers Forum and three carer centres.”

The spokesman added that none of this year’s cash has yet been spent, but said the money can be accessed via GPs or primary care referral.