New rights for Wales’ carers – announcement by Gwenda Thomas to mark Carers Week

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New rights for Wales’ 370,000 carers to come into force from April 2016

Deputy minister for social services, Gwenda Thomas, has announced that those who care for loved ones or family members in Wales will have rights equal to those they look after – and that their needs and views, including training needs, will need to be taken into account by local authorities from April 2016.

This means that an estimated 90,000 people who freely give more than 50 hours’ care a week will be entitled to a carer’s assessment – there are an estimated 370,000 carers in total in Wales – and the local authority will have a duty to undertake this where it appears they need support.

The change to carers’ rights will come into force in April 2016 thanks to the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014.

Announcing equal rights for carers today (June 9), Ms Thomas said: “My commitment to carers and their needs is unwavering. They provide an invaluable service to those that they care for. Without their commitment, our health and social care services would collapse.

“I’m delighted to be able to announce during Carers’ Week that these measures will come into force in 2016. The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act addresses real-life issues which matter to carers. It ensures that carers receive the help they need, in the ways they need it.

“I am committed to ensuring I do everything I can to support carers across Wales and thank them for the invaluable work they do day in, day out,” she added.