DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
News Release (2007/0254) issued by The Government News Network on 3
September 2007
As our society
ages and changes, more individuals and families will face caring
responsibilities. Care is a growing issue that will affect us all
in some way in the future.
A wide-ranging consultation is currently under way on a new deal
for the people that take on this important role of carer. This
will continue, but the issue is of such importance that the Prime
Minister has announced that a Standing Commission on Carers will
be established, reporting to the Secretary of State for Health.
Philippa Russell, a leading expert and advocate for carers, will
work with Ivan Lewis, as Minister for Carers, to take forward this proposal.
The Standing Commission will:
Ensure the voice of carers is central to the development of
Government policy;
Look at how carers will be affected by the
long term issues of:
Changes in demography meaning that carers are getting older while
there is growing demand
Changes in the choices people are
making about how and where they want their care with more people
wanting to be cared for in their own home
Changes in
technology which are supporting people to live independently for
longer
Changes in the caring relationships in families with,
for example young and older carers
Changes in the locations of
families with more people working or living in areas that are
further away from those who need to be cared for
Changes in
the number of adults and children with chronic conditions and
mental health problems;
Have an overview of the current consultation and oversee the
carers' strategy due to be published next year;
Monitor implementation of the carers' strategy and the new
deal for carers.
Membership will be announced in due course. The Commission will
need to pay due regard to existing and likely future fiscal and
spending limits.
Secretary of State Alan Johnson welcomed the announcement:
"Today's announcement by the Prime Minister elevates
the needs of carers to priority status for Government and society.
Carers are remarkable people, a lifeline for the millions who rely
on their compassion and dedication. As people live longer and
disabled people lead fuller lives, greater numbers of people will
find themselves in the role of a carer at some stage in their
life. The needs of carers are, therefore, relevant to families
throughout the country.
"It is fitting that Phillipa Russell, a leading expert and
champion for carers, has been appointed to take forward this
proposal alongside Ivan Lewis, the Minister for Carers. I have
every confidence that the enthusiasm and knowledge of this
partnership will drive forward the work of the Commission and
provide expertise in implementing the Prime Ministers Carers'
strategy next year."
Health Minister Ivan Lewis said:
"As the Minister for Carers, I'm excited at the
prospect of working with Phillipa and carers organisations to
tackle the major challenges we now face. The standing commission
will address both short term and long-term issues. They include
developing the Prime Minister's New Deal for Carers and
responding to the fundamental challenges of an aging society,
people choosing to receive care in their own homes, changing
family structures and the need to reorganise the care system so
more control is in the hands of those who use services and their carers."
Notes to Editors:
The Prime Minister announced the new
Commission during his speech at the National Council of Voluntary
Organisations. The full speech can be found at http://www.pm.gov.uk