The strategy, to be announced on Monday, is viewed as the first step towards recognising the contribution made by Britain's estimated six million carers.

The Carers National Association (CNA) says over 60% devote more than 20 hours a week to caring for a relative or friend and many never get a break.

It says short-term respite care is a top priority, but it needs to be properly funded.

"The two are inextricably linked," said a spokeswoman.

The CNA and other carers' organisations would like to see a £100m investment to support respite care.

"There has not been money directly for carers before and we would welcome any money, but there need to be enough resources to support the strategy," said the spokeswoman.

Cutbacks

Respite care has faced big cutbacks in recent years, mainly because of cash problems faced by social services departments in many parts of the country.

Crossroads, one of the biggest charities delivering respite care, says its statutory budget was slashed by almost £2m last year.

Chief executive Alison Thompson says authorities have been rationing respite care, introducing or increasing charges for it and limiting help to assisting carers instead of allowing them much-needed time off.

"They do not recognise that carers must have a break, even if it is only for a couple of hours a week," she said.

"They need time to do everyday things that we take for granted like going shopping or going to the hairdresser."

Crossroads would also like to see an increase in the range of respite options offered to carers, ranging from regular breaks of a few hours so that carers can go out to residential care.

It says both carers and their relatives or friends should be consulted on issues affecting them.

It also wants more consistency in services offered around the country and better recognition of carers' needs.

For example, it says employers should be more flexible about the extra responsibilities carers face, it says.

Joined-up care

The CNA says support for carers needs to be better coordinated between health, social care, housing and other agencies and there needs to be recognition for carers who face additional problems, such as young carers.

It also wants the strategy to ensure that services are delivered direct to carers.

Currently, carers' needs are only assessed by social services when their relative or friend's needs are being assessed.

Francine Bates, acting chief executive of the CNA, said: "The current system marginalises carers.

"At present, carers are not entitled to their own services. Carers must be recognised and valued."