Unpaid Carers

Part of 2. Questions to the Minister for Health and Social Services – in the Senedd at 3:13 pm on 23 March 2022.

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Photo of Sam Rowlands Sam Rowlands Conservative 3:13, 23 March 2022

I thank the Deputy Minister for her response, and if only every question I asked had such a quick resolution in terms of support, and giving those unpaid carers that £500. But, in all seriousness, this payment clearly recognises the incredible role that unpaid carers have played through the pandemic and I'm sure it is welcomed by all.

If I may, though, I'd like to ask you about the restoration of services for carers as well, though. So, as we know, unpaid carers save the NHS and taxpayers billions of pounds a year by providing this important care. But despite nearly all COVID-19 restrictions easing, the services unpaid carers rely on have not been prioritised, with services still significantly reduced or even closed entirely. And recent research by Carers Wales found that just 8 per cent of carers say that day services and care homes for respite breaks have been fully reopened, and only 16 per cent said sitting services were fully operational. So, what action will you take to urgently prioritise and monitor the restoration of these much needed services for carers? Thank you.