Tony Robinson is urging people to support the Alzheimer’s Society campaign

Actor Tony Robinson said that in the county alone “an army” of unpaid carers is estimated to be helping friends and family with the disease worth more than £418million as he urged people to support a campaign in which asked the government to prioritize funding for dementia care.

The broadcaster, author, presenter and activist delivered the plea in his capacity as ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society.

He wants people to sign that Charity open letter to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

“The need for government to prioritize dementia care has never been more urgent,” he said.

“And while last Thursday’s fall statement brought some encouraging news, there is still a long way to go.

“Currently, the families and friends of people with dementia in the UK care for their loved ones worth £13.9 billion a year, a figure that is expected to rise to £35.7 billion by 2040.

“We were disappointed that the Government postponed the proposed £86,000 care cap by two years as it was a first step in tackling the crippling cost of care. We are aware that the political upheavals of recent months have caused delays, not least in the implementation of England’s new 10-year plan for dementia, but further delays must be avoided.

Tony Robinson, Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador (Image: Alzheimer’s Society)

“Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced some encouraging news. Social Care will get an additional £1bn in funding next year and £1.7bn the year after. The government claims this will result in an estimated 200,000 extra care packages over the next two years.

“This is a step in the right direction, but with the pressure on all carers compounded by a record 165,000 social care vacancies across the UK – including 26,000 in the South East – the system urgently needs reform.

“It is also of great concern that diagnosis rates are at a five-year low, meaning tens of thousands are living without critical treatment and vital support.”