Issue - meetings

The Board was presented with details of the Carers Scrutiny topic as outlined in the topic brief which was appended to the report at Appendix 1.

To provide some background Members were advised that the 2011 census found that there were over 15,000 carers in the Borough who were providing unpaid help and support to their partners and relatives.  With the introduction of the Care Act 2014, Carers were now recognised in law in the same way as those they cared for; meaning they had the right to an assessment of their needs.  As a consequence, the Act had resulted in an unprecedented focus on Carers and their own health and for the first time set out a set of national criteria to establish whether the Carer was eligible for support.

It was noted that the topic would focus on the type and quality of Carers Services provided in Halton and the associated pathways in place to support Carers’ ability to access those services.  It would examine these services and associated pathways with a view to evaluating their effectiveness in meeting the needs of the local population. 

Members agreed to accept the topic brief and it was agreed that all Members of the Board would be invited to attend the group to ensure good attendance and to give all Members the opportunity to provide their input.

RESOLVED:  That the Board

1)    Notes the contents of the report and associated Appendix; and

2)    Agrees to the formation of the Scrutiny Topic Working Group including all Members of the Board.