Issue - meetings

To receive an update on the previous scrutiny review on Support to Carers.

The Committee received the progress update on the recommendations of the June 2009 Scrutiny Review of Support to Carers, introduced by Barbara Nicholls (Head of Adults Commissioning).

NOTED

• Recommendation 4 – concerning signposting carers to advice and information (page 23 of the agenda pack) – It was explained that some carers had not been aware of the benefits of the assessment process and so work had taken place to emphasise the benefits of an assessment as well as on-going work with community groups to raise awareness.
• Recommendation 7 – funding for respite carers (page 29 of the agenda pack) – It was confirmed that a specific budget for adult community services existed for respite care as well as some other Council funding.  There had been some funding available from the Primary Care Trust (PCT) but it had not been ring-fenced and Council officers are not aware of any specific spending plans since the funding was first provided to PCT’s in 2009. Cllr Bull would send a letter to the PCT on behalf of the North Central London Joint Overview & Scrutiny Committee (JOSC) to seek clarification on why the PCT had not made available monies linked to the Carers Strategy for respite care for informal carers. (Action No. 49.1).

NOTED.