Issue - meetings

To gain agreement the All Age Carers Strategy, which will:

·         Create a single, all age approach to supporting Carers in Buckinghamshire.

·         Highlight the demographic needs of Buckinghamshire through data analysis and consultation and engagement.

RESOLVED:

To AGREE the All Age Carers Strategy.

A Macpherson and W Whyte introduced the report and outlined that the previous Carer’s Strategy had expired in 2019 and the new strategy had been produced with the Clinical Commissioning Group to ensure a single approach.  It was highlighted that it was recognised that carers were one of the most valued assets in the county with over 49,500 carers who all require the right support. It was a joint strategy for adults and children’s and would come into effect on 1 April 2020. 

In the development of the strategy key stakeholders and carers were involved and focused on five key areas:

• Services and systems that work for Carers
• Employment and Financial Wellbeing
• Supporting young Carers
• Recognising and supporting Carers in the wider community
• Building research and evidence to improve outcomes for Carers

The report also contained a measurable action plan that had been developed in collaboration with key stakeholders; which would be reviewed regularly.

Members of the Shadow Executive raised and discussed the following points:

• It was important to understand the different types of carers across the county, which was highlighted in the strategy.
• Officers highlighted that not only did carers support people to live independently but their contribution also had a massive economic benefit; unpaid carers saved a total of £132bn across the UK.
• The importance of keeping the strategy and action plan under review and it was suggested this was done annually.
• Members were pleased to see the recently developed website for carers giving, support, information and advice www.careadvicebuckinghamshire.org
• Buckinghamshire Council to set an example as a caring and compassionate employer for all staff that had caring responsibilities.
• Once the strategy was embedded there was a need to put resources into identifying those carers that were not known to the authority in order to be able to offer them the right support.

All members of the Shadow Executive gave their thanks to carers throughout the county.

RESOLVED:

To AGREE the All Age Carers Strategy.