Carers strategy approved despite funding questions

The plan was produced by the Department of Health and Social Care alongside Crossroads

A 10-year plan aimed at improving recognition and support for carers has been approved despite concerns over how its targets would be funded.

Produced by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) alongside Crossroads, it includes the development of respite services and a review of Carer's Allowance.

While £96,000 has already been committed to delivering targets in the first year, several Tynwald members questioned where further funding would come from.

DHSC Minister Lawrie Hooper said work would be carried out during the summer to identify what future funding for the Carers Strategy 2024-2034 might look like.

'Clear actions'

Julie Edge MHK, who shared her own experience of caring responsibilities, said the funding already committed was "disingenuous" as carers saved the Manx government millions of pounds.

Expressing the difficulties faced by those who found themselves becoming carers, she said: "People do not know where to turn."

She also questioned why the strategy had not mentioned social workers, and stressed the importance of having enough carers at the hospital.

However, the strategy received praise from several politicians, including Michelle Haywood MHK, who said it was a "comprehensive" plan with "clear actions".

Rob Callister MHK said that while the report acknowledged there were likely to be more carers than the 4,869 identified in a 2021 census, he questioned how the strategy would achieve its goal that all of them would feel listened to and supported.

MLC Kerry Sharpe asked where the funding would come from as some of the action points in the document said they would be paid for from within existing resources.

But Mr Hooper said the plan was to undertake much of the work around the scope of need during the summer months, which would identify what future funding might look like.

"If we are going to approve strategies like this, we then need to approve the funding that is necessary to deliver these strategies," he added.