Common Strategic Policy 2026 – 2030 (P.75/2026): second amendment. Carers and care needs

COMMON STRATEGIC POLICY 2026 – 2030 (P.75/2026): SECOND AMENDMENT

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After the words "report accompanying this Proposition" insert the words –

", except that, on page 15 of the report, after action 8.4 there should be inserted the following action –

"8.5 Improve support for unpaid carers, disabled Islanders and older people with

care needs, building on the recommendations of the 2026 review of support for unpaid carers and people with care needs, and improving access to respite and community support"".

DEPUTY L.V. FELTHAM OF ST. HELIER CENTRAL

Note:  After this amendment, the proposition would read as follows –

THE STATES are asked to decide whether they are of opinion

in accordance with Article 18(2)(e) of the States of Jersey Law 2005, to approve the statement of the Common Strategic Policy of the Council of Ministers as set out in the report accompanying this Proposition, except that, on page 15 of the report, after action 8.4 there should be inserted the following action –

"8.5 Improve support for unpaid carers, disabled Islanders and older people with

care needs, building on the recommendations of the 2026 review of support for unpaid carers and people with care needs, and improving access to respite and community support".

REPORT

Purpose

The purpose of this amendment is to ensure that improving support for unpaid carers, disabled Islanders and older people with care needs is an explicit priority within the Common Strategic Policy.

Background

The proposed health priority includes commitments relating to facilities, waiting times, medicines and a health and care strategy. This amendment would make clear that practical support for people with care needs, and those who care for them, must also form part of that work.

Caring responsibilities can affect a person's ability to remain in employment, maintain their own health and take part in family and community life. Where a person needs continuing support, the availability of suitable services also affects their independence and the choices available to them.

In my 2023 budget amendment concerning financial support for families of children with serious illnesses and complex care needs, I highlighted the additional pressures that can arise when caring responsibilities are not adequately recognised within support arrangements. The circumstances of carers differ, but the need for Government to recognise the practical consequences of providing care remains relevant.

The 2026 review of support for unpaid carers provides a basis for further work. This amendment seeks to ensure that the review informs improvements in support during the Government's term.

Respite and community support are specifically identified because assistance needs to be available in forms that make a practical difference to carers and the people they support. Ministers would retain responsibility for determining how services should be developed to meet those needs.

Conclusion

This amendment asks the Assembly to give clear priority to improving care and support within the community. It would ensure that the needs of unpaid carers and Islanders requiring care are expressly recognised in the Government's programme.

Financial and staffing implications

Improving respite and community support may require additional funding and staff capacity. The extent of these requirements will depend on the services and arrangements proposed. Ministers should identify the resources needed as part of developing their response to the review and their wider care policies.

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P.75/2026 Amd.(2)

Children's Rights Impact Assessment

I consider that this amendment has no direct or indirect impact on children and that the duty to have due regard to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child does not arise. Accordingly, a Children's Rights Impact Assessment is not required under the Children (Convention Rights) (Jersey) Law 2022.