The number of people receiving respite care has fallen by more than a third over the last seven years, according to a report released tomorrow from the health think tank, The King’s Fund, seen by this programme.

Many charities and care providers say that respite is a critical part of the social care system, helping family members who are sometimes looking after wives, husbands or children 24 hours a day.

Our Economics Correspondent Helia Ebrahimi reports from the South West of England on two parents trying to protect respite care in their area.