Agenda item

Consideration was given to a report presented by Janet Spurling, Scrutiny Officer, which confirmed how the Health Select Commission and the Improving Lives Select Commission had agreed to undertake a joint Scrutiny Review of Support for Carers.  To begin evidence gathering and setting the context, the report submitted provided a profile of carers in Rotherham and an overview of the Carers’ Charter and Joint Action Plan for Carers.

A carer was defined as an adult/young person who provided unpaid care for a partner, relative, friend, an older person or someone who has a disability or long term illness including those with alcohol/substance misuse and mental illness. 

The 2011 Census showed that Rotherham continued to have a higher rate of people with limiting long term illness than the national average of 17.6% - 56,588 (21.9% of the population).  It also revealed that Rotherham’s population was ageing faster than the national average with a 16% increase in the number of people aged over 65.  Those aged over 85 increased at over twice this rate.

In 2011, 31,001 people in Rotherham said that they provided unpaid care to family members, friends or neighbours with either long term physical or mental ill-health/disability or problems related to old age.  The number of people providing 20-49 hours care had increased as had the number providing 50 or more hours.

The Rotherham Carers’ Charter and Joint Action Plan for Carers 2013-16 had been reviewed and published in March, 2013.  Work would focus on 4 priority outcomes based on the views and experiences of carers.  The priorities also linked to the 6 priorities in the Health and Wellbeing Strategy:-

Priority 1 – Health and Wellbeing:  all carers will be supported to make positive choices about their mental and physical health and wellbeing

Priority 2 – Access to Information:  accessible information about the services and support available will be provided for all carers in Rotherham

Priority 3 – Access to Services:  all carers will be offered and supported to access a range of flexible services that are appropriate to their needs

Priority 4 – Employment and Skills:  all carers will be able to take part in education, employment and training if they wish to.

It was suggested that the spotlight Review could add value to the recently established Carers Service Review Task and Finish Group by looking at available support from the perspective of carers especially adult carers of adults with long term conditions such as Dementia.

Discussion ensued on the liaison between Children and Young People’s Services, especially around the lifestyle survey, given that a high number of young people were also carers.

It was also noted that not all carers were aware of the allowances that were currently available.

The Commission were made aware of some avenues where support was available, the importance of providing the right support and the value of respite care.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the report be noted.

(2)  That Councillors Beaumont, Barron and Steele be part of the Review Group representing the Health Select Commission.

(3)  That any comments arising from the report be forwarded to the Review Group for consideration and inclusion in the scope of the Review.