The Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004 received Royal Assent on 27th July 2004 and is headed "An Act to place duties on local authorities and health bodies in respect of carers; and for connected purposes" (in force from 1st April 2005).
The Act builds on provision already made under the Carers (Recognition and Services) Act 1995 and the Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000. It requires local authorities to inform carers, in certain circumstances, that they may be entitled to an assessment under the 1995 and 2000 Acts and provides that when undertaking a carer's assessment, the local authority must consider whether the carer works, undertakes any form of education, training or leisure activity, or wishes to do any of those things. The Act also provides for co-operation between local authorities and other bodies in relation to the planning and provision of services relevant to carers.