DECISION

1.    To note the contents of this report and approve the Carers’ Strategy, 2016-19 attached as Appendix 1 to the report.

2.    To note the contents of the Carers’ Dignity Charter which has been co-designed with carers, with a recommendation that it is endorsed by the council and health partners.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, HEALTH, ADULTS AND COMMUNITY (D. RADLEY)

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, CHILDREN’S SERVICES (D. JONES)

(Service Manager, Strategic Commissioning)

Councillor Amy Whitelock Gibbs, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Services, introduced the report on the Carers’ Strategy and highlighted its importance to the Borough as an issue especially considering there were over 19,000 carers in the Borough. As well as looking to improve support for all carers there was a particular issue in needing to support young carers.

She then introduced two local carers and a worker from the Carers Centre who all spoke to Cabinet on their experiences and the value of receiving support as carers. It was explained that the Strategy had been developed in conjunction with carers.

Councillor Rachael Saunders, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services also highlighted that the strategy was shared with her service areas, with a particular focus on young carers.

The Cabinet also expressed their thanks to the Carers Centre for the support they provide to local residents.

The Mayor welcomed the report and, highlighting that this would be an evolving strategy, agreed the recommendations as set out in the report.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the contents of this report and approve the Carers’ Strategy, 2016-19 attached as Appendix 1 to the report.

2.    To note the contents of the Carers’ Dignity Charter which has been co-designed with carers, with a recommendation that it is endorsed by the council and health partners.