A fresh Senedd investigation has uncovered considerable shortcomings in help and recognition for family members who provide care without payment, with many seeing their legal rights overlooked.

Committee chair Peter Fox MS remarked that those looking after others were reaching the end of their tether.

He noted that testimony revealed carers were forced to beg and grapple to secure help, both for the people they support and for themselves.

The figures show that more than 310,000 people in Wales offer unpaid assistance, yet only 4,924 possessed a formal care plan by spring 2024.

Young carers from the north presented evidence to the committee.

Sixth-form student Albie Sutton disclosed that his current educational stage had prompted him to wonder whether university remained viable.

Fifteen-year-old Elektra Thomas, who looks after her siblings, expressed that caring duties consume every moment without respite.

Mr Fox pointed out that despite repeated warnings, the situation has not shifted.

He stressed that those providing unpaid support have borne too heavy a burden for far too long, and our assistance for those who underpin our entire care system must change substantially.