Decision details

Rob Watt, Director of Adult Social Care presented the report and paid credit to the hard work of Lisa Mundy and Mandy Lindley in producing this extensive joint strategy, with the co-operation of the CCG, Solent NHS Trust and Portsmouth Hospitals Trust.   The strategy covers all ages of carer and seeks to encourage those who are reluctant to seek support or do not know how to access it.

The Care Act 2014 gives legal recognition to carers and sets out the responsibility of the local authority and the NHS to help them.  The partner agencies had undertaken consultation events and surveys.  The quality of life for Portsmouth carers was judged to be above the England average but areas to improve included involvement of carers and the accessibility of information for carers.

Councillor Jones, Leader, thanked those involved for the report and strategy document and acknowledged that the implications of the Care Act would be significant for local authorities, which would need recognition by the government.  The strategy was a comprehensive document and members were impressed by the graphic design which made it stand out and user friendly. 

Cabinet Members were concerned at the rise of young carers and Rob Watt responded that there is a level of support to help ensure their education is not disadvantaged.

The Leader wished to place on record her gratitude to the Portsmouth company V3 Recruitment who took young carers on a Christmas trip to London.  The report was a good example of collaborative working and she also wished to thank Lisa Mundy and Mandy Lindley for their contributions.

DECISION:  The Cabinet noted, supported and endorsed the Portsmouth Carers Strategy 2015-2020 (as set out in appendix 1 to the report).