Agenda item

Report of the Interim Executive Director, Community and Children’s Services.

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services in respect of the draft Carers’ Strategy.  The report sought the Committees approval to take the draft to wider consultation.

During the discussion and questions, the following points were noted:

1.       Census data in respect of unpaid carers had been released and, due to the tightening of definitions, the profile had not changed dramatically, neither for the City nor its neighbouring boroughs.

2.       The Strategy will be as inclusive as possible; this consultation will be based on focus groups, with round tables being used for the stakeholder group.  Face to face meetings, hybrid meetings and on-line surveys would be available.   Members noted that officers had avoided being too rigid at this stage, as the detail would emerge as engagement progresses.  Furthermore, other stakeholders would need to own some aspects; i.e. healthcare.

3.       The Committee’s ‘Carers’ Lead Member asked if the Vision could be more ambitious; i.e.  – ‘to create a better life for all carers’ and if the full NHS description of a carer could be used.

4.       In terms of the Care Act, the person being cared for falls under the remit of their Local Authority but a City worker could approach City Connections.

5.       Members asked if the next draft could be shared with unpaid carers before it comes back to the Committee.   

RESOLVED, that – subject to noting the above comments,  the current draft Carers Strategy 2023–2027 be approved for consultation.