Timescales for adult carer support plans and young carer statements: consultation analysis

Consultation Paper Question 1

We are proposing the following overall outcome for the regulations to support:

• Adult carers and young carers of a terminally ill person receive an ACSP or YCS and associated support in an efficient and timely manner.

We also propose the following principles to be taken into account in developing these regulations:

• The time limits we set should not compromise the quality and personalisation of support for carers of people with a terminal illness.
• The time limits we set for this group of carer should take into account the impact this may have on prioritisation of other urgent cases.
• The time limits we set should not prevent ACSP and YCS being completed quicker, in line with existing good practice.
• We should minimise bureaucracy for both professionals and carers.

Question 1: Do you agree with the overall outcome and principles proposed?

We received 46 responses to the question.

The overwhelming response from the majority of responses were that they agreed with the overall outcome and principles proposed.

The pros and cons identified most frequently were as follows:

Pros

• A large number agreed with the outcomes and principles under the condition that this was a conducted in a timely manner.
• Several stated that these principles were clear.
• Several suggested that it was important to respect the needs and wishes of people with a terminal illness and that local hospice care and support should be included in the plans if appropriate.
• Both the outcome and principles are logical as a timely manner is appropriate in this situation.
• Several felt that the regulations would only assist a small proportion of carers, so prioritisation would not create problems for other carers.

Cons

• The outcome described is merely reiterating existing good practice rather than introducing improvement.
• Principle can only be undertaken meaningfully at council/partnership level. and not at government level.
• The approach would only be fair if plans for other carers are conducted at the same speed.