Paul Burstow, the Minister for Care Services has issued a call for evidence through organisations supporting carers to refresh the commitments made in the 10 year national Carers Strategy to 2018 and to develop a key plan of action over the period of 2011 to 2015. As a membership organisation, it is important that we reflect your views and we are, therefore, asking for your comments.

As any action plan will be in the light of the current economic climate, including a reduction in government spending, it is important that the views you wish to express should cover not only things that you want improved, but also support you get that you would not want to lose.

There is a consensus that the aim of the current strategy would remain, being that the call for evidence is about priorities under certain key headings. 

There are other priorities that Carers have such as Carers Allowance, flexible working rights, and funding of the care system that are not part of this call for evidence, as these are being addressed in separate consultations. We will keep you advised of them. 

We want to make it as easy as we can for you to send in your views. The questionnaire enclosed with the Newsletter gives information on the questions asked. How to give your views:

Complete the parts of the questionnaire where you wish to express a view and where possible give evidence (examples of what helps or would help you and why) and return it to us by post or email.

• Call Danni or Gillian on 01732 357 555 and they will be happy to take note of your views.
• If you are attending a support group, give your views to our staff or discuss it at the group and our staff will summarise your points.
• Write or email me directly (ron.alexander@carersfirst.org.uk)