Financial lifeline could go to carers
CABINET members will discuss a new-look strategy to support the town’s unpaid carers – whose value is estimated to be around £605m in Barnsley – next week.
The refreshed Carers Strategy and the proposed Barnsley Carers Service will help those who need it across the borough.
Having worked closely with carers of all ages in Barnsley, the council say they have listened to their experiences to find out where they feel supported and where they face challenges.
In a recent survey, more than 70 per cent of respondents said they felt able to spend time doing some of the things they value, but not enough time.
Almost seven per cent said that caring had caused them a lot of financial difficulty, whilst more than 38 per cent said it had caused some difficulty. Just under half of all respondents said they felt they had some support but not enough, and almost a third say they felt they had no support at all.
Barnsley Council supports more than 300 carers with a one-off annual payment of between £150 and £300 to acknowledge their role as a carer – accumulating to up to £125,000 per year.
A cabinet report states: “As part of the review of carer support and the refresh of the Carers Strategy, a light touch desktop review has been undertaken of the carers oneoff payment scheme, and a number of areas for improvement have been provisionally identified.
“Taking into account the current spend against the allocated grant and to support the new priorities within the Carers Strategy, it is felt that we need to reconsider how the £125,000 can be best used to support the carers most in need in the borough.
“To do this effectively, we will need to consult with people who may be impacted by any changes to the criteria.
“We know that many people have seen the cost of living rise – at the same time, benefits to support them have reduced.”
The council spent more than £1.1m on supporting carers in 2021/22. This was made up of £121,000 in direct payments, £486,000 in respite, £230,000 in support to carers and £240,000 in a commissioned carers support service.
In Barnsley, the care provided by unpaid carers is estimated to be around £605m every year.
Within the Carers Strategy, the council will work with its partners to recognise and identify carers at the earliest opportunity, help carers understand their rights, and support carers to have a life outside their caring role.
Coun Caroline Makinson, cabinet spokesperson for public health and communities, said: “We believe everyone in Barnsley should have the best possible chance of enjoying life in good physical and mental health.
“Our unpaid carers play a vital role in our communities, and I’m delighted we’ve been able to work with them to shape the future of our support. Our refreshed Carers Strategy and new look Barnsley Carers Service will help our brilliant carers lead happy, healthy lives, addressing the unique challenges they face.
“We want to be ambitious in our plans to identify and recognise carers, and we will continue working with them to make sure we deliver the best support possible.”