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The government announced in 2008 that it was doubling money set aside to allow long-term carers some time off - £50m this year and £100m next year.

The Crossroads Care and Princess Royal Trust for Carers say only 23% of this year's cash is being spent on carers.

NHS Trust representatives say money was moved to best meet local needs.

The two charities say the problem is that the money was never ring-fenced by the government and simply added to existing health budgets.

Some trusts have no idea how much money they received towards respite breaks, the charities claim.

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