Cwestiwn ysgrifenedig WQ99546

Local authorities have clearly defined statutory duties under the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 to support unpaid carers. This includes providing Information, Advice and Assistance, carers’ needs assessments where it appears a carer may have needs for support, and meeting eligible needs where identified. This can include respite support to enable carers to take a break from their caring role.

While we know there are examples of very good support for unpaid carers, we also know there are areas for national improvement. We are supporting a national action plan led by the Association of Directors of Social Services (ADSS Cymru) to strengthen early help services and the quality and timeliness of carers’ needs assessments. I expect to see evidence of progress achieved through this initiative. We are working closely with Care Inspectorate Wales who inspect and review social services functions, including services to support carers. Where Care Inspectorate Wales note significant concerns, I expect them to intervene using powers at their disposal to drive improvement.

The challenges faced by many carers in obtaining the support they need were highlighted in the Health and Social Care Committee’s inquiry into support for unpaid carers. We are currently considering our response to the report of the inquiry, and its 35 recommendations. We will publish a new National Strategy for Unpaid Carers in the Autumn. The strategy will set out our priorities for improving support for unpaid carers and actions that will drive progress in the areas where carers tell us improvements are most needed.

We are continuing to invest in additional support for unpaid carers. This includes the Welsh Government Short Breaks Scheme, the Carers Support Fund, and our national Carer Aware and Carer Wellbeing and Empowerment programmes. These investments strengthen support for unpaid carers providing additional financial assistance and improved identification and wellbeing.