NDM6738 Welsh Conservatives debate - Carers

NDM6738 Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes that 11 - 17 June is Carers Week 2018.

2. Recognises the vital contribution made to Welsh society by the roles undertaken by Wales’s estimated 370,000 unpaid carers of all ages.

3. Calls on the Welsh Government to implement the Welsh Conservative policy for a young carers future grant, which would ensure young carers are supported to pursue further and higher full time education and training opportunities.

4. Calls on the Welsh Government to publish figures for how many carers' needs have been assessed since the introduction of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 and how many of those assessed needs have been met.

5. Calls on the Welsh Government to introduce a right to respite for both carers and those they care for.

Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014

The following amendments have been tabled:

Amendment 1 - Julie James (Swansea West)

Delete all after point 2 and replace with:

Acknowledges that the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 gives carers a right to have their own needs as a carer assessed and for assessed and eligible needs to be met by local authorities.

Welcomes the Welsh Government’s national priorities for carers and the formation of a Ministerial Advisory Group on Carers to ensure the implementation of the Social Services and Well-being Act makes a real difference in the lives of carers in Wales.

[If amendment 1 is agreed, amendment 2 will be de-selected]

Amendment 2 - Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

Delete point 3 and replace with:

Believes that if the administration of welfare was devolved, the anomalies within the benefits system that remove support for carers who wish to pursue education and training can be eradicated.

Amendment 3 - Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

Insert as new point after point 2 and renumber accordingly:

Notes that the labour market for young people, with the proliferation of zero hour contracts and unpaid internships as part of career pathways, creates barriers for young carers who wish to pursue paid employment and careers alongside caring responsibilities.

Amendment 4 - Caroline Jones (South Wales West)

Insert as new point 3 and renumber accordingly:

Recognises that unpaid carers of all ages save the NHS and social services in Wales over £8bn per year, yet a vast majority of carers feel their contribution is not valued or understood.

Amendment 5 - Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Calls on the Welsh Government to set milestones for the young carers advisory group and provide regular updates to Assembly Members on their progress.

Amendment 6 - Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Calls on the Welsh Government to ensure consistency across all parts of Wales in the roll-out of a young carers’ card, which should include access to discounted transport.

Amendment 7 - Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Calls on the Welsh Government to clarify how much of the proposed £3 million funding for carers’ respite will be allocated to young carers.

Amendment 8 - Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Calls on the Welsh Government to ensure all pharmacies are implementing the guidance on allowing young carers to pick up prescription medication on behalf of those they care for.

Amendment 9 - Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Calls on the Welsh Government to ensure young carers receive appropriate training in the administering of medication for those they care for.