Agenda item

This Council recognises, with gratitude, the tremendous work being done by all key workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Particular thanks go to the thousands of unpaid carers who have done so much to look after and protect vulnerable members of the community.

The Council calls on the Government to give more recognition and support to unpaid carers by:

·  Introducing free travel on public transport for young carers

·  Protecting carers against discrimination at work similar to those facing racism, sexism and homophobia

·  Increasing the Carers Allowance

·  Raising the threshold at which payments are halted

Additionally the Council asks that the Government supports and allocates Parliamentary time to the recently introduced Private Members Bill which would require employers to make “reasonable adjustments”  for carers as they would for disabled staff, allowing people to combine caring and paid employment.

It was moved by Councillor Bentley, seconded by Councillor Downes that this Council recognises, with gratitude, the tremendous work being done by all key workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Particular thanks go to the thousands of unpaid carers who have done so much to look after and protect vulnerable members of the community.

The Council calls on the Government to give more recognition and support to unpaid carers by:

·  Introducing free travel on public transport for young carers

·  Protecting carers against discrimination at work similar to those facing racism, sexism and homophobia

·  Increasing the Carers Allowance

·  Raising the threshold at which payments are halted

Additionally the Council asks that the Government supports and allocates Parliamentary time to the recently introduced Private Members Bill which would require employers to make “reasonable adjustments”  for carers as they would for disabled staff, allowing people to combine caring and paid employment.

An amendment was moved by Councillor C Anderson, seconded by Councillor Wadsworth

 Delete all after “vulnerable members of the community” and replace with:

“This Council notes that the government has increased the rate of carer’s allowance and provided funding to extend the Carers UK’s helpline opening times and information and advice services, so that unpaid carers are able to access trusted information and advice. New guidance is also expected to be published aimed at helping young carers.

“However, Council recognises that more can and should be done to help these vital members of our community, including those who face barriers to employment, and calls on the Government to bring forward new measures focused on supporting unpaid carers.”

Amended motion would read:

“This Council recognises, with gratitude, the tremendous work being done by all key workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Particular thanks go to the thousands of unpaid carers who have done so much to look after and protect vulnerable members of the community. haha

“This Council notes that the government has increased the rate of carer’s allowance and provided funding to extend the Carers UK’s helpline opening times and information and advice services, so that unpaid carers are able to access trusted information and advice. New guidance is also expected to be published aimed at helping young carers.

“However, Council recognises that more can and should be done to help these vital members of our community, including those who face barriers to employment, and calls on the Government to bring forward new measures focused on supporting unpaid carers.”

A second amendment was moved by Councillor Charlwood, seconded by Councillor Smart

After “Increasing the Carers Allowance” add “and the Carer Element within Universal Credit.”

Full Amended Motion to read:

‘This Council recognises, with gratitude, the tremendous work being done by all key workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Particular thanks go to the thousands of unpaid carers who have done so much to look after and protect vulnerable members of the community.

The Council calls on the Government to give more recognition and support to unpaid carers by:

·  Introducing free travel on public transport for young carers

·  Protecting carers against discrimination at work similar to those facing racism, sexism and homophobia

·  Increasing the Carers Allowance and the Carer Element within Universal Credit.

·  Raising the threshold at which payments are halted

Additionally the Council asks that the Government supports and allocates Parliamentary time to the recently introduced Private Members Bill which would require employers to make “reasonable adjustments”  for carers as they would for disabled staff, allowing people to combine caring and paid employment.’

The amendment in the name of Councillor C Anderson was declared lost the second amendment in the name of Councillor Charlwood was carried and upon being put to the vote it was

RESOLVED – That this Council recognises, with gratitude, the tremendous work being done by all key workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Particular thanks go to the thousands of unpaid carers who have done so much to look after and protect vulnerable members of the community.

The Council calls on the Government to give more recognition and support to unpaid carers by:

·  Introducing free travel on public transport for young carers

·  Protecting carers against discrimination at work similar to those facing racism, sexism and homophobia

·  Increasing the Carers Allowance and the Carer Element within Universal Credit.

·  Raising the threshold at which payments are halted

Additionally the Council asks that the Government supports and allocates Parliamentary time to the recently introduced Private Members Bill which would require employers to make “reasonable adjustments”  for carers as they would for disabled staff, allowing people to combine caring and paid employment.’