To seek the views of the committee on the proposed new carers strategy for Herefordshire.

The strategic housing and wellbeing manager gave a presentation describing the process so far in the development of a new carers strategy.  Extensive consultation had taken place during 2015 and 2016 and there was ongoing engagement which would follow with sharing the draft strategy with stakeholders prior to presenting to Cabinet in July.  

Referring to co-production of the strategy, a member commented that there appeared to be a period of extensive consultation and the final work was set for Cabinet in July. Noting that this seemed rushed, he asked what steps had been taken to make sure that as many carers as possible had been asked for their view given that they represented some 25% of the population, and whether this was considered to be true co-production. 

The strategic housing manager explained that consultation had extended beyond the known groups and had engaged with 155 carers in different ways including in their own home and electronically. It was recognised that not all carers were connected with the charity Herefordshire Carers Support and that work had been with a small number so far.  However, the consultation had been publicised widely on website and elsewhere and this was a continuing process. It was considered that within the estimated number of carers, not all people considered themselves to be carers.

In terms of the number of people taking part in the carer’s assessment, it was anticipated that this was below the requirements of the Care Act. However, some opportunities had been identified in the way assessments could be offered so they were deliverable.

A member commented on a point regarding the financial context for local government and the NHS, with increasing pressures on budgets.  He asked how funding might be used to support the role of carers to support the aim of avoiding hospital admissions. In response it was explained that some proposals had been outlined with the Clinical Commissioning Group regarding investment in carers support around this aspiration and also with regard to supporting hospital discharge.

Returning to the information in the presentation regarding engagement, it was explained that engagement continued to be offered throughout the further stages of the development process for the strategy and which included home visits, telephone calls and emails as well as attending events. 

From what people said, key themes emerged, which were:

·         identifying carers and how to support them

·         a carer’s needs tended to be identified at the point of crisis and there needed to be more focus on their long term needs being identified earlier and to address risks to them and the person they cared for

·         information and advice sources which included WISH were a key resources and there were  plans to invigorate and extend these

·         developing understanding of carers by professional and information sharing between agencies

·         anxieties of carers around continuity of care if something were to happen to them

·         making contact with carers not currently accessing support and helping to improve their quality of life

·         more information required regarding rights for carers such as around assessments 

A member asked about the help available for carers with regard to home requirements and adaptations.  It was clarified that the accommodation strategy was being considered in terms of how to support vulnerable adults and reaching out to family carers on accommodation and housing needs. The need to provide options for people and to give them greater control was recognised although plans for delivery needed to be realised.  

The chairman noted that a number comments had been received informally from Herefordshire Carers Support (HCS) regarding the consultation process.  In response the strategic housing manager referred to his points made earlier in the meeting that the process had not concluded and the elements of the draft strategy were about to be shared and there was a commitment to continue to involve HCS. With regard to public consultation, it was customary for the council to consult on service changes and there would be public consultation where individuals were not identified. There had been extensive engagement with HCS users and their guidance was noted on how best to consult and engage with service users.

Discussion took place regarding the role of the wellbeing information and signposting service (WISH) as the core advice offer and there was a programme in place to upgrade. However it was noted that there would need to be greater investment in time to develop WISH and its support structure if it were to meet the needs of carers. 

A member asked what approach was taken in co-production of the strategy in order to agree the priorities.   It was clarified that the greater focus was on social networks and peer support, which was borne out in discussions with carers. There was also more emphasis on assessing carers and specifically regarding their role in the assessment of the cared-for person as they were an essential source of experience, expertise and knowledge of the person being cared for.

In answer to a question from the chairman the strategic housing manager explained that there was no formal or statutory register of carers although it was general good practice to hold one. HCS held a database of carers but this was not available to statutory organisations. 

The chairman invited members to make suggestions to improve the strategy.

A member commended the paper for its detail and in providing leadership and signposting.

He noted the points raised regarding people not easily recognising themselves as carers and therefore requiring some support to access help. It was important to continue to engage with the Clinical Commissioning Group on the detail of the strategy and to underline the focus on universal services and only providing specialist services where really required.

A member commented that young people can also be carers and needed to be included in the strategy. In response it was suggested that young people are not formally identified as carers in all cases and this needed to be picked up with colleagues working in children’s services.

RESOLVED

THAT:

(a)         the comments raised by members in discussion today be taken into account in improving the development of a new carers strategy; and

(b)         it be recommended that the updated strategy be presented for pre-decision scrutiny prior to the Cabinet meeting

On closing the meeting, the chairman noted that this was the last sitting of the health and social care overview and scrutiny under the current constitutional arrangements.  She thanked all members and officers for their contributions and support during her chairmanship.

The vice-chairman thanked the chairman for chairing this committee over the last 2 years.  He noted the good work achieved by the committee, and echoed thanks to the committee membership for their contributions.

The chairman thanked Councillor Powell and wished him well for the future.