Carole Burgoyne (Strategic Director for People) submitted a report seeking approval of the refreshed Carers’ Strategy 2014 – 18 and the associated Action Plan for 2014 – 15 which had been carried out on behalf of the Carers’ Strategic Partnership Board, through wide ranging consultation with partners, stakeholders, carers’ groups and organisations.

Cabinet Members were advised that there were six outcomes from the strategy as follows which would be monitored through the action plan -

Councillor Tuffin (Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care) introduced the proposals and highlighted the outcomes from the national strategy. He also advised that monitoring of the action plan would be undertaken by the Carers’ Strategic Board, and the Caring Plymouth scrutiny panel in March 2015.  The role and work of the Young Carers’ Service was highlighted which provided support to 113 young carers in the city.  Carole Burgoyne also indicated that the strategy would be implemented with the assistance of health colleagues and General Practitioners.     

David Simpkins (Assistant Director for Co-operative Commissioning and Adult Social Care) and Katy Shorten (Strategic Commissioning Manager) attended the meeting for this item and David Simpkins indicated that the rights and needs of carers would be underpinned in new legislation, under the Care Act where carers would be entitled to an assessment and to receive support services in their own right.

Katy Shorten also thanked all participants in the development of the strategy which had been produced in a co-operative way.

Councillor Evans (Council Leader) whilst acknowledging the statutory responsibilities, reminded Cabinet Members that no additional resources had been allocated by government to support them and thanked officers for their work.   

Alternative options considered and reasons for the decision –

As set out in the report.

Agreed to adopt the Carers Strategy 2014 – 18 and associated Action Plan 2014 – 15.