Meeting of the Parliament 04 February 2016
I thank Rhoda Grant for her question, which is a fair one. I re-emphasise the point that I made in my opening remarks, that, since the bill was first presented to Parliament, there has been provision in the bill that, in each area, as part of the local carers strategy, carers should have an indication of how long the assessment process will take. I understand the point that Rhoda Grant makes but I hope that I have been clear, throughout stages 1 and 2, that much of this can be covered in the guidance that we issue. There will be different requirements, given the different circumstances that carers find themselves in, and local authorities will have to take account of that fact in prioritising those who have to be seen promptly, ensuring that the support is in place quickly thereafter. I think that guidance can cover a lot of that.
As I said in my opening remarks, a blunt instrument such as is proposed in these amendments—for very good reasons; Rhoda Grant’s intention is clear—could lead to a disproportionate amount of resources being allocated to meeting timescales instead of providing support, and that is the last thing that any of us in this chamber would want. I hope that I have been able to reassure Ms Grant. For all the guidance that we issue under the bill, there will be a co-operative process that will involve the carers and their representative organisations, ensuring that their voice is heard.
Amendment 2 agreed to.
Amendment 23 not moved.
Section 7—Adult carers: identification of outcomes and needs for support
Amendment 3 moved—[Rhoda Grant]—and agreed to.
Section 8—Content of adult carer support plan