New Welsh legislation to secure rights for information and support for carers could be on its way after AMs voted unanimously in favour of a Legislative Competence Order drafted by Helen Mary Jones.
The LCO is now required to proceed through various legislative stages which should result in an Assembly Measure (or Welsh law) aimed at improving the lives of carers in Wales.
Helen Mary Jones, Plaid Cymru’s Health and Social Services spokesperson, said: “I am extremely proud and pleased that the Assembly has given its unanimous support to my proposed LCO.
“With this order I hope to make life that little bit easier for carers, taking a burden away from them and passing it onto statutory bodies.”
“Under the current system many carers remain isolated and unsupported with thousands living in poverty because they are unable to take up paid work.
“This order would place a duty on health and social service providers to identify carers and to inform them of their rights and the support services that are available to them in order to improve their quality of life.
“Ever since the Assembly came into being there has been a strong, cross party consensus about the importance of carers and their rights.
“We have seen some real progress but there is still a long way to go. I believe that this LCO is the next step along this road.”
Every year around 120,000 people in Wales become carers but research shows that 65% do not recognise themselves as carers in their first year of caring. Lack of information leaves carers struggling to get the help and support they need.
* For more information of the proposed LCO, click here.