Agenda item

The Committee considered a joint report of the Director of Adults and Communities and Director of Children and Family Services, the purpose of which was to seek comments on the draft Leicestershire Carers Strategy 2026-2030. The report explained the development of the strategy and the priorities for delivery. A copy of the report marked ‘Agenda Item 8’ is filed with these minutes.

The Chairman welcomed the Chairman, Mr. Mark Bools, and Spokespersons Mrs. Deborah Taylor and Mrs. Linda Danks of the Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee to the meeting to hear the presentation of the report.

The Chairman further welcomed Fiona Barber, Healthwatch Leicester and Healthwatch Leicestershire, to the meeting.

Arising from discussion, the following points were made:

i.          Members endorsed the three proposed priorities, highlighting the importance of effective carer flow and clearer information about entitlements and available support. They welcomed the extensive pre‑consultation, particularly engagement with over 300 previously unheard carers, and noted ongoing concerns about funding and access to financial support, as well as the significant voluntary contribution made by carers nationally.

ii.          Questions were raised about how identified barriers would translate into practical actions, especially around accessing help at home. Members queried how carers would know what support they were entitled to, how they could access it, and whether a register existed for young carers. Officers reported that carers were often identified through GP practices, though referral processes varied. Improving access to information, advice and guidance remained a priority, particularly for rural carers. The current Voluntary Action South Leicestershire (VASL) contract supported around 7,000 carers. The VASL contract aimed to address those gaps, alongside challenges linked to carers not self‑identifying.

iii.          Concerns about VASL’s geographical coverage were noted. Officers clarified that the Council did not hold a universal carers’ register; only those identified or self‑referred were recorded, while VASL maintained its own caseload. The new commissioning arrangements would consider reach, and future strategy work would review funding pathways and reshape the carers’ offer.

iv.          Members stressed that carers should have a good quality of life themselves and requested that this principle be explicitly reflected in the Strategy. The Director of Adults and Communities confirmed that adult carers had statutory rights under the Care Act 2014, including assessment and support for eligible needs. Those not meeting thresholds could still access support through the independent sector contract.

v.          Clarification was sought on entitlement to respite care and how carers would access it, alongside questions about whether the £3.5m carers support budget was sufficient. The Director of Children and Family Services reported that young carers are particularly vulnerable and were identified through close work with schools and health agencies, ensuring access to assessments and support groups.

vi.          The Healthwatch representative reported that carers frequently felt unheard and highlighted issues including inconsistent home‑care staff, challenges with hospital discharge, and the importance of education settings for young carers. Healthwatch commended the engagement with over 300 carers.

vii.          Members raised financial pressures on working age carers, mixed experiences with VASL, and concerns about fragmented support pathways. Variation in GP engagement was noted, and Members hoped the Strategy would strengthen links with primary care. The Director of Adults and Communities explained that the £3.5m budget mainly covered direct payments, with around £200,000 each for the VASL contract and internal support team. Respite was funded through individual care packages, and is not included in the £3.5m figure quoted, though figures were difficult to isolate due to funding structures.

viii.          Finally, Members welcomed the work with young carers but requested clearer Strategy content on transition to adult support, particularly for those entering higher education or employment. The Director of Children and Family Services confirmed this would be strengthened in the revised document.

RESOLVED:

a)    That the report on the draft Leicestershire Carers Strategy 2026-2030 be noted.

b)    That commencement of a public consultation to further engage with carers and interested parties be noted.

c)     That the comments now made be forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration at its meeting on 24 March 2026.