Meeting documents

To consider a report setting out a requisitioned item submitted for the Councils’ consideration.

Supporting Carers in Somerset

The Council RESOLVED to adopt the item, as amended, regarding Supporting Carers in Somerset.

The Council thanks all unpaid carers for looking after their loved ones through the difficult time of the pandemic, caring for their loved ones without the support that they rely on.

The Council believes that caring for our carers needs to be at the heart of our approach to creating a sustainable future for social care in Somerset.

That the Council notes that of the 58,000 carers in Somerset the vast majority do not seek financial support from the Council. Instead, they seek emotional support through carers groups both on-line and in person, or information on where to get support through our micro providers and volunteer networks and is the reason why the Council funds an independent carers service designed by carers for carers.

The Council commits to work with the NHS and voluntary sector to guarantee an assessment for carers’ support for all who want one, including the offer of short breaks and other options.

That the Council lobby central government to ensure that carers assessments are properly funded so that we can support people to stay in their own homes while unpaid carers can take the break they deserve.

This requisitioned item related to support and assessments for Carers who are entitled to a formal Care Assessment under the Care Act 2014. In Somerset there have been 72 formal Care Assessments against an understanding that there are 58,000 Carers in Somerset. There was some discussion around why so few have taken up their right to have an assessment. It was acknowledged that for many reasons Carers, especially Young Carers do not wish to take advantage of this.

Supporting Carers in Somerset

Cllr Tessa Munt, seconded by Cllr Jane Lock, moved and the Council RESOLVED to adopt the item, as amended, regarding Supporting Carers in Somerset.

The Council thanks all unpaid carers for looking after their loved ones through the difficult time of the pandemic, caring for their loved ones without the support that they rely on.

The Council believes that caring for our carers needs to be at the heart of our approach to creating a sustainable future for social care in Somerset.

That the Council notes that of the 58,000 carers in Somerset the vast majority do not seek financial support from the Council. Instead, they seek emotional support through carers groups both on-line and in person, or information on where to get support through our micro providers and volunteer networks and is the reason why the Council funds an independent carers service designed by carers for carers.

The Council commits to work with the NHS and voluntary sector to guarantee an assessment for carers’ support for all who want one, including the offer of short breaks and other options.

That the Council lobby central government to ensure that carers assessments are properly funded so that we can support people to stay in their own homes while unpaid carers can take the break they deserve.