Issue - meetings

That Wokingham Borough Council’s Carers’ Strategy 2020-2025, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, be approved.

The Executive considered a report setting out the Council’s proposed Carers’ Strategy for 2020-2025 which had been produced following extensive consultation and engagement with carers, young carers, providers and internal stakeholders.

The Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Services informed the meeting that there were currently 14,000 carers within the Borough; of which 230 were under 16 and 489 between 16-24 years old.  On average these carers were undertaking their caring duties for 19.5 hours per week with 2,300 carers providing over 50 or more hours per week of care.  It was noted that the Council was currently spending around £402k per annum in support and £690k on residential respite. 

Councillor Margetts advised that the aim of the Strategy was to try and provide direction and improve the lives of carers including enabling carers to have a life outside of caring.  The Strategy had been produced in consultation with the Council’s partners in the voluntary sector and it was hoped that the following outcomes would be achieved: 

·         increased identification of carers;

·         carers supported to access community assets;

·         improved and more accessible information and advice to carers;

·         reduced loneliness and isolation;

·         improved physical and mental wellbeing of carers;

·         improved life chances for young carers;

·         better support for working carers; and

·         carers enabled to take a break.

RESOLVED:  That Wokingham Borough Council’s Carers’ Strategy 2020-2025, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, be approved.