Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004
 

Background

The Carers (Equal Opportunities Act came into force on the 1st April 2005. The Act is a result of a Private Members Bill which was taken through Parliament by Dr Hywel Francis MP for Aberavan. Dr Francis introduced his Private Members Bill in January 2004,  the bill quickly received strong cross party support with co-sponsors.

What the ACT means to you as a Carer

• Requires that Carers including Young Carers and Parent Carers, are informed of their rights

Clause 1 of the ACT means that local Authorities will now have a legal duty to inform Carers of the right to a Carers Assessment (for more details relating to Carers Assessments Click here).  This will often be undertaken as part of a Children Act Assessment in Children and Families cases

• Require that work, life-long learning and leisure are considered when a carer is assessed

Clause 2 amends earlier carer' legislation by ensuring when a Carers Assessment is being completed it must take into account if the Carer works or wishes to work. This means that during the assessment it is vitally important that you inform your Care Manager or Social Worker if you work or intend to work. You will also need to think about  possible problems that may arise from juggling work and caring., and the possible help you may need to enable you to work or continue to working. You will find more information on this issue in the Carers UK information sheet 'Juggling work with care'. When having a Carers Assessment you should also tell the Care Manager or Social Worker if you are currently involved in any courses or further education or wishing to do so (Carers UK has a booklet called 'Carers and Learning' Click here to download it in PDF). You may also be involved or wish to take up a leisure activity. The Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act now demands that all this needs to be taken into consideration when having a Carers Assessment. Even if you have had a Carers Assessment some time ago you are entitled to request an assessment at any time. To may be able to further advice or help from Action for Carers and Employment (ACE Surrey)

• Give local authorities new powers to enlist the help of housing, health, education and other local authorities in providing support to Carers

Clause 3 states that if the local authority requests another authority to plan services, that authority must give that request due consideration. The local authority can request any relevant authority to provide a range of services and support the individual Carer or user. It can also request help in ensuring that issues for carers are addressed in planning processes and this will be of particular significance for Health planning processes.

Click here to find out about the responsibilities of the NHS under the new Act (PDF document)

There is also aCarersnet Newsletter outlining the Carers (Equal Opportunities) ACT and what it means to both Carers and Social Care Teams working with Carers. Click here to download your copy now! (PDF document)