More than one in 50 Brits – more than 1.5 million nationwide – now provide upwards of 50 hours of unpaid care every single week in England, according to new research from stairlift and home lift company Stannah.

Analysing ONS and census data, the brand revealed where England’s unpaid care crisis is hitting hardest – with more than 3% of the population providing at least 50 hours of unpaid care per week in the North of England, compared to just over 2% in London and the South-East.

The North-East – home to cities like Newcastle and Durham – is worst affected, with 3.4% of the overall population providing more than 50 hours of care each week, closely followed by the North-West – with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester – where 3.1% of the population gives the highest level of unpaid care.

Highlighting the stark regional disparity, London and the South East came at the bottom of the list, with 2.3% and 2.4% of the population respectively providing more than 50 hours of unpaid care.

See the full list of England’s regions ranked by the percentage of the population delivering over 50 hours of care below:

1. North-East – 3.4% (90,000 unpaid carers)
2. North-West – 3.1% (230,000 unpaid carers)
3. West Midlands – 3.0% (179,000 unpaid carers)
4. Yorkshire and The Humber – 2.9% (159,000 unpaid carers)
5. East Midlands – 2.9% (142,000 unpaid carers)
6. South-West – 2.6% (148,000 unpaid carers)
7. East of England – 2.5% (158,000 unpaid carers)
8. South-East – 2.4% (223,000 unpaid carers)
9. London – 2.3% (202,000 unpaid carers)

Three in 10 (30%) carers in England are providing more than 50 hours of care per week, roughly 310,000 of which are in the North – one in five (20.6%) of England’s carers.

A total of 1,530,601 people in England are estimated to provide the highest amount of care, while claiming just £81.90 per week in Carer’s Allowance; meanwhile, the average Premier League footballer’s weekly salary sits at £60,000.

For those providing the minimum 35 hours of care, the hourly rate equates to just over £2.34; for those caring most, this falls to just £1.63 at 50 hours. What’s more, to qualify for the Carer’s Allowance, carers must be earning less than £151 per week after tax, National Insurance and expenses.

Anyone providing care for 70 hours a week – highly likely in the circumstances of a partner providing constant care for their husband or wife – receives just £1.17 per hour.

Working with Stannah, financial wellbeing expert at Caba, Lee Melling, shared his advice for carers in England about benefit entitlement: “While the benefits system can be complicated and legislation is often changing, there is financial support available for unpaid carers. Depending on your personal circumstances, you might be eligible for more support than you realise, helping you to manage stress and get the financial support you’re entitled to.

“From Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit and pension credit to housing benefit and reductions in council tax, there are several benefits that can be claimed depending on your circumstances.

“If you’re unsure what benefits are available to you, we recommend seeking expert advice with your personal situation in mind to help find out what support you might be entitled to and ensure you’re not missing out.”

Commenting on the findings, occupational therapist for Stannah, Kate Sheehan, said: “Carers do some of the most valuable work in our country, often to the detriment of their own health. They enable those they love to enjoy their last years in their own homes, doing the activities they want or choose to do, whilst often managing complex health issues.

“Not only are carers physically looking after a relative, friend or neighbour, but they will often have to consider the adaptations that need to be made in a home for someone with changing physical and cognitive needs, all while trying to lead their own life and whilst the financial support currently on offer to carers provides some minimal support, it is vital that they are provided with adequate financial support, which will reduce an area of stress in their lives and help to prevent caregiver burnout.

“In addition, it is critical that the right adaptations and equipment are made available to make caring easier and the necessary training on how to use those facilities to the benefit of those they care for and their own wellbeing. It is also important that carers have access regular breaks to give them time to look after themselves as the combination of financial support, equipment, adaptations, training and respite will enable all to flourish and make a difference to how we receive or give care.”